Robert “Bob” Curtis: Columbus Junction Teacher & Coach Remembered
- Curtis, 80, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, passed away on February 12, 2026, at Washington County Hospital, surrounded by his family after a long illness.
- Born on August 27, 1945, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Donald and Mae (Laughlin) Curtis, Bob dedicated his life to education and community service.
- Bob married Cheryl Buffington on August 13, 1967, and together they built a life centered around family and a shared commitment to the Columbus Junction community.
Columbus Junction Mourns Robert “Bob” Curtis, Beloved Teacher and Coach
Robert “Bob” L. Curtis, 80, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, passed away on , at Washington County Hospital, surrounded by his family after a long illness. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date, according to a statement from Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services.
Born on , in Fairfield, Iowa, to Donald and Mae (Laughlin) Curtis, Bob dedicated his life to education and community service. He graduated from Columbus Community High School in and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching and mathematics from Iowa State University in . He often fondly remembered his college friends and the summers he spent working on the railroad.
Bob married Cheryl Buffington on , and together they built a life centered around family and a shared commitment to the Columbus Junction community. For 35 years, Bob was a well-loved math teacher at Columbus Community Schools, teaching from until his retirement in . Even after stepping down from full-time teaching, he remained involved, frequently returning to the halls as a substitute teacher or volunteering at the school library to tutor students.
Beyond the classroom, Bob’s impact extended to the athletic field. He dedicated many years to coaching various sports for Columbus Community Schools, including girls’ basketball, football, track and field, and softball. His tenure as softball coach was particularly remarkable, with the Wildcats earning over 500 wins under his leadership. In , he was inducted into the IGHSAU Coaches Hall of Fame for Girls’ Track & Field, a testament to his dedication, and success.
Bob’s commitment to Columbus Junction didn’t stop there. He also managed the Columbus Pool for nearly 40 years, providing a vital recreational space for the community. In retirement, he continued to serve, contributing his time and expertise to the boards of the Senior Center and Colonial Manor. He was also a member of the Presbyterian Church Choir.
An avid golfer and outdoor enthusiast, Bob enjoyed cheering on his favorite teams – the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kansas City Chiefs, Saint Louis Cardinals, and, of course, the Columbus Wildcats. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family, traveling with his wife, Cheryl, and attending his granddaughters’ school events, fine arts performances, and sporting competitions.
Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cheryl; 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, Donald and Mae Curtis, and his brother, Ron Curtis.
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.