Robert V. Formanek Sr., 02 Sept 1917 - 12 Feb 2014

FORMANEK, SPINKA, ERBE, RICCIARDI

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 3/1/2014 at 18:11:53

ROBERT FORMANEK SR.
Other Deaths – New Hartford

Robert V. Formanek Sr., 96, of Keystone, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at the Keystone Nursing Care Center. Memorial services will be at a later date. Inurnment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Entrusted with the arrangements is Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following: Honor Flight, Cedar Rapids; United Methodist Church, New Hartford; Western Home Communities, Cedar Falls; Keystone Nursing Care Center, Keystone, or Hospice Compassus, Cedar Rapids.

Robert was born Sept. 2, 1917, in Chicago, Ill., the son of John M. and Catherine (Spinka) Formanek. He graduated from Morton High School in Chicago, with the class of 1936. Bob attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids on a baseball scholarship, graduating in 1940 with a bachelor's degree in education. During summer breaks he pitched semi-professional baseball for several teams in the M & J League.

On July 4, 1941, Robert married the love of his life, Jean K. Erbe. He entered the military in 1942 to serve in World War II as a first lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Corps. In 1946, Bob returned to the University of Iowa, Iowa City, where he obtained a master's degree in school administration.

He was an educator at heart and enjoyed teaching science and mathematics in Elwood, North English and New Hartford, Iowa. He realized his goal of becoming a school administrator when he accepted appointments to the position of superintendent of schools in Ackley, Iowa, and subsequently in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Mendon, Ill., and New Hartford. He retired in 1980, but continued to remain active in the community and within the educational system. He led a productive life, believing strongly in the merits of hard work.
Robert was a member of the Methodist Church, American Association of School Administrators, Rotary Club and Geyer-Becker American Legion Post 660.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bridge, tending his vegetable garden and playing golf. He loved teaching and coaching and was admired, respected and warmly remembered for his dedication to his students and players. His integrity and commitment to high standards of performance were exemplary.

Robert Sr. is survived by his wife, Jean K. Formanek; son, Robert V. Formanek Jr. MD and wife Janet of Orinda, Calif.; his daughter, Katha J. and husband Vezio Ricciardi of St. John of the Virgin Islands; two grandchildren, Kara Formanek of Alameda, Calif., and John R. Formanek of San Francisco, Calif.

The family wishes to extend sincerest gratitude to the many caregivers, staff and friends at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls, Keystone Nursing Care Center in Keystone and Hospice Compassus of Cedar Rapids for their compassionate and professional care.

Condolences can be sent to the family at either of the following addresses: Dr. Robert Formanek, 262 Sundown Terrace, Orinda, CA 94563 or Ms. Katha Ricciardi, P.O. Box 1150, St. John, US Virgin Islands 00831.

Posted: February 16, 2014, The Gazette