Robert "Bob" L. Curtis

Robert “Bob” L. Curtis, 80 of Columbus Junction passed away Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Washington County Hospital with his beloved family by his side after a long illness.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Columbus Junction is assisting the family.  Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the Columbus Schools Athletic Booster Club and the Columbus Junction United Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  

Bob was born on August 27, 1945, to Donald and Mae (Laughlin) Curtis in Fairfield, Iowa.  He graduated from Columbus Community High School in 1963.  He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in teaching and mathematics from Iowa State University in 1967 and reminisced often about college friends and working summers on the railroad.  Bob married Cheryl Buffington on August 13, 1967.  Bob was a well-loved math teacher at Columbus Community Schools where he taught from 1967 – 2002; even after he retired, he could often be found in the halls as a substitute teacher or at the library helping tutor students.  Along with his time in the classroom, Bob dedicated many years to coaching various sports for Columbus including girls’ basketball, football, track and field, and softball. Under his tenure as softball coach, the Wildcats earned over 500 wins; in 2005 he was inducted into the IGHSAU Coaches Hall of Fame for Girls’ Track & Field.   Bob also found time to manage the Columbus Pool for almost 40 years. In his retirement, he served on the boards of the Senior Center and the Colonial Manor and sang in the Presbyterian Church Choir.  Bob was an avid golfer, outdoor enthusiast, and fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kansas City Chiefs, Saint Louis Cardinals, and Columbus Wildcats. Above everything else, Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling with his wife, Cheryl, and going to his granddaughters’ school, fine arts, and sporting events.    

Bob will be missed dearly by his wife, Cheryl, of 58 years; daughters Sherri (Jon) Proud and Nicole Curtis; granddaughters Payton and McKenna Proud; and his sister Donna Cox.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mae, and his brother Ron Curtis. 

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