Robert Joseph Boes, 76 years old, of Ely, died suddenly at Mercy Medical Center on March 27th, 2018.  Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2018, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW.

He was born on November 22, 1941, in Carroll, the eldest son of Clarence and Florence (Schapman) Boes.  He married Elaine Poduska on August 7, 1972.  Their marriage of 45 years was blessed with 3 children; Kevin (Mandy) of Evanston, Illinois; Melanie (Dustin Froyum) of Golden Valley, Minnesota; and Aaron (Stephanie) of Iowa City.

Bob graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in biology.  He received a Master's degree from Purdue and a PhD in Science Education from the University of Iowa.  He was a dedicated professor for over 40 years, teaching a range of science courses that spanned chemistry, biology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology.  He taught at Purdue, UNI and Iowa Lakes Community College.

Bob loved spending time with his children and grandchildren on the farm, traveling to Florida and Europe, reading, taking walks with Elaine, and playing cards with many guests.  He enjoyed writing and frequently contributed op-ed articles to the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  He was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Church and served as Secretary of the Parish Council.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and two sisters; Joan (Tom) Tibbitts of Fort Dodge and Ellen (Stan) Slessor of Brooklyn.

Memorials may be left in his memory to St. Wenceslaus Church in Cedar Rapids.