Robert (Bob) Thomas Corrick, 78, of Ossian, Iowa, formerly of Bettendorf, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2019, at the Ossian Senior Hospice.
Robert was born in Elma, Iowa on Aug. 14, 1940, to Everett and Lucille Marie (Kelly) Corrick. He spent his elementary and high school years at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Elma. He then graduated from Upper Iowa in Fayette, where he received his bachelor of science in biology and physical education. He married Myrna Catherine Sullivan in 1964 and they were the parents of Brenda and Brett. In 1974, he completed his master of science in biology from Saint Mary’s College in Winona, Minn. In 1984, he married Phyllis Ruder.
Robert “Bob” spent much of his life educating others on the wonders of biology. Over the years, he taught and coached thousands of students. His first year of teaching was at St. Francis De Sales Catholic School in Ossian. He then taught four years for the Benton Community School District in Van Horne, Iowa. The remainder of his 35-year teaching career was spent at the North Scott School District, in Eldridge. He taught 7th-grade biology and coached 8th-grade football along with 7th and 8th-grade wrestling. He retired in 1998. When he wasn’t teaching, he was playing softball, hunting, fishing, spending time at his cabin, or reading. He loved music and had a wonderful singing voice. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and often would treat others to a beautiful rendition of “Danny Boy” or “When Irish Eyes are Smiling.”
Bob is survived by his wife of 30 years, Phyllis, Omaha, Neb.; daughter, Brenda (Ivan) Hackman, Decorah, Iowa; son, Brett Corrick, Johnston, Iowa; grandchildren, Katelyn, Michala and Wyatt Hackman and Jace Eiffler; siblings: Tom (Judy) Corrick, Sun Lakes, Ariz.; Michaleen (Al) Duncan, Maplewood, Minn., and Debra (Terry) O’Neil, Marion, Iowa. He also had many nieces and nephews along with great-nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Thomas Corrick and Lucille Marie (Kelly) Corrick.
A special thank you to Ossian Senior Hospice for their excellent care and compassion for Robert and our family over the years. Thank you also to Winneshiek Hospice for helping him complete his journey. Robert taught his first teaching lesson in Ossian and his last lesson about life in Ossian. He came full circle.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later time. He will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery in Elma.
Memorials may be sent to Ossian Senior Hospice, PO Box 98, Ossian, IA 52161.
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