Doerning, Robert J (1939-2018)

DOERNING, ZLOMKE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, July 17, 2018

Robert J. Doerning, 79, of Webster City, died Monday, July 16, 2018, at Crestview Nursing and Rehabilitation.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Webster City at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Lunch will immediately follow the Mass and the family wishes for everyone to join them for that special time together. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery following the luncheon.

He was born February 14, 1939, in Mallard, to Arnold and Marie Doerning.

Bob grew up in Nebraska and Iowa and graduated from Emmetsburg Catholic High School and Loras College, Dubuque. He continued throughout his career to advance his graduate studies in English Literature. He especially delighted in all of the study trips that he took with his students to England.

He began teaching at Columbus High School in Waterloo, in 1960. After teaching there for three years, he taught High School English, speech and was a drama coach in Webster City Schools from 1963 to 2001. He substituted there and at St. Edmond’s, Ft. Dodge for many years following his retirement. He was active in St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, where he taught Religious Education, was a Sacristan and an Usher. He was a member of Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer and Friend of Kendall Young Library.

Bob married Marita on June 17, 1961 in Emmetsburg. He is survived by his wife and their three children, Maribeth, Jeffrey and Regina (Rob Zlomke); grandchildren, Natalie, Robert, Maddison and Avery Jayne; a great granddaughter, Vivian; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill.

Bob enjoyed political campaigns, reading, theatre, traveling and gardening. His faith and family were lifetime priorities. His love for teaching and care for his students will long be remembered by them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorials be directed to the Robert J. Doerning educational scholarship fund for WCHS graduates or to St. Thomas Aquinas School.

Condolences may be expressed online at or cards sent to Marty Doerning at 2501 Des Moines Street, Apartment 206, Webster City, Iowa 50595.