Fitzgerald, Robert James 1940 - 2022
FITZGERALD, KADERABEK, COVINGTON, FYE, ODONNELL, FOOTE, BAILY
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/22/2024 at 16:07:28
Robert (Bob) James Fitzgerald went to his heavenly home on February 1st, 2022 with his loved ones by his side. Bob was born July 3rd, 1940 in Elma, Iowa to John and Nellie Fitzgerald. As the youngest of 7 boys he grew up on the farm. He attended country school until the 8th grade. In 9th grade, he started attending New Hampton High school where he was a proud member of the 1957 State wrestling championship team. Bob graduated from NHHS in 1958. He was so proud that several of his grandchildren graduated from his Alma Mater. After graduation he joined the Army and was stationed in Oklahoma and Hawaii.
He met Beverly “Bev” (Kaderabek) at a dance in Elma and it was love at first sight, and as Bob said “We’ve been dancing ever since.” They were united in marriage on April 12, 1967 and would have celebrated 55 years this spring. Together they happily raised their five children Timothy, Kelle, Mary Jo, Bobbi Jo, and Kerre.
Bob drove back and forth from Cresco to Charles City for 27 years where he worked at Oliver/White Farm. During this time he was also the “go to” maintenance man for the St. Joseph Catholic Church/School. After Oliver/White Farms closed he was employed by the Howard- Winn Community School District where he retired from. Bob was loved by the entire school community and he loved them in return as shown by his hard work and dedication. For many years while Bev did daycare he was known as grandpa Bob not only to his grandchildren but also the daycare kids.
Bob’s greatest joy was his family and spending time with them. He especially enjoyed watching his grandkids grow up. Many of the grandkids were blessed to have Nana and grandpa take care of them each and every day at Nana’s daycare. In his spare time, you could find him in his garage listening to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the radio or in his recliner watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. In the winter, you could find him and his family cheering on their favorite wrestler. He was very proud that his grandson, Noah wrestled for the same high school team that he did.
To cherish his memories is his wife Bev of 54 years; his children Tim (Vicki) Fitzgerald, Kelle Fitzgerald (Cathy Covington) Mary Jo (Tom) Fye, Bobbi Jo O’Donnell, Kerre (Steve) Foote; his 13 Grandchildren: Jesse, Robert (Carolina) and Ryan Fitzgerald, Ryley Covington, Jade, Jordyn (Beth), Baily and Noah Fye, Haley and Nathan O’Donnell, Abbe, Riley and Alle Foote. His great grandchildren: Haizlee, Carver and Baby Boy Fye (due in April).
He is preceded in death by his parents and six brothers, his father and mother in-law (Edward & Louise Kaderabek).
Bob never met a stranger. No matter where he was, he always would find a familiar face.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 7, 2022, at Notre Dame Catholic Church with Father Jacob Rouse officiating. Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Visitation will be held one hour before Mass on Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco at a later date in the summer.
Calvary Cresco Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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