Tom Robertson Ottumwa, Iowa Obituary

Tom Robertson

Thomas “Tom” D. Robertson, 81, of Iowa City passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. Thomas was born to Melvin Phillip Robertson and Edna Frances (Bull) Robertson on October 16, 1940 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Thomas married Carolyn Bradley on November 14, 1964, in Ollie, Iowa. He served in the United States Air Force until 1968, when he was honorably discharged. A highlight of his service was spending a year in Crete, where he translated Morse code and met other servicemen who became lifelong friends. In 1967, he and Carolyn moved to Iowa City where they built a home and raised their family. He began his professional career working for the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department as a contracts administrator for James Van Allen until Tom retired in 1996. In his free time, Tom was an avid member of the OCCC, INA, ANA, and several other clubs for over 50 years. In 2002, he was President of the INA. He enjoyed helping his sister at the auction house and attending auctions on weekends. He was also a lifelong collector of mustache cups and barber bottles. He cherished traveling with his dearly loved friend, Linda. They recently visited Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Austria, Greece, Italy, and many National Parks. While in Scotland, he and Linda visited ancestral museums to learn more about family heritage. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Linda and raved about new restaurants they would try, especially The Turtle Club. Additionally, Tom enjoyed any food made by his kids, grandkids, and Linda. Tom loved to attend his grandkids’ activities and events and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He loved reading books, watching Western movies, and everything history, especially ancient history and genealogy. A highlight of his week was having coffee with friends with whom he worked and shared interests. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Joan (Juan) Ochoa of Iowa City and their children, Ian and Tatiana; his son, Greg (Amy) Robertson of Marion and their children, Breck and Kynley; his nephew and niece Paul (Lisa) Steigleder and Laura (Michael) Gabor and their families. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen Steigleder Zook. He greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and numerous relatives over the years. Visitation will be held Monday, May 9th, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 10th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. For those unable to attend, you may watch the service live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in McCormick Cemetery. His family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward the Wild Animal Sanctuary or the Wounded Warrior Project.
October 16, 1940 - May 4, 202210/16/194005/04/2022
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Obituary

Thomas “Tom” D. Robertson, 81, of Iowa City passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. Thomas was born to Melvin Phillip Robertson and Edna Frances (Bull) Robertson on October 16, 1940 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Thomas married Carolyn Bradley on November 14, 1964, in Ollie, Iowa. He served in the United States Air Force until 1968, when he was honorably discharged. A highlight of his service was spending a year in Crete, where he translated Morse code and met other servicemen who became lifelong friends. In 1967, he and Carolyn moved to Iowa City where they built a home and raised their family. He began his professional career working for the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department as a contracts administrator for James Van Allen until Tom retired in 1996. In his free time, Tom was an avid member of the OCCC, INA, ANA, and several other clubs for over 50 years. In 2002, he was President of the INA. He enjoyed helping his sister at the auction house and attending auctions on weekends. He was also a lifelong collector of mustache cups and barber bottles. He cherished traveling with his dearly loved friend, Linda. They recently visited Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Austria, Greece, Italy, and many National Parks. While in Scotland, he and Linda visited ancestral museums to learn more about family heritage. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida with Linda and raved about new restaurants they would try, especially The Turtle Club. Additionally, Tom enjoyed any food made by his kids, grandkids, and Linda. Tom loved to attend his grandkids’ activities and events and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He loved reading books, watching Western movies, and everything history, especially ancient history and genealogy. A highlight of his week was having coffee with friends with whom he worked and shared interests. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Joan (Juan) Ochoa of Iowa City and their children, Ian and Tatiana; his son, Greg (Amy) Robertson of Marion and their children, Breck and Kynley; his nephew and niece Paul (Lisa) Steigleder and Laura (Michael) Gabor and their families. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ellen Steigleder Zook. He greatly enjoyed keeping in touch with cousins and numerous relatives over the years. Visitation will be held Monday, May 9th, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 10th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Hornback officiating. For those unable to attend, you may watch the service live on the Reece Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will be in McCormick Cemetery. His family will be present one hour prior to the service to greet friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward the Wild Animal Sanctuary or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Events

May
10
Service
Tuesday, May 10 2022
01:00 PM
Reece Funeral Home
607 E. Second Street
Ottumwa, IA 52501
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