A public visitation for Bob will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019, (NOTE DATE) at Mitchell Family Funeral Home, where his family will be present to greet friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Diana Frieberg officiating, also here at Mitchell Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed in Bob’s name to the Animal Rescue League. For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bob and his family.

Robert Clare Sondag was born on January 11, 1953, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Bernard Clare and Mary (Pulver) Sondag. He was raised in Keota attending St. Mary Catholic K-8 School and later Keota High School graduating in 1971. Following high school, Bob went on to Marshalltown Community College where he obtained his Associates degree in Arts. He then went on to the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in Art, Industrial Arts and Driver’s education. A few years later, Bob would get his endorsement in coaching from the University of Iowa taking classes with the likes of Lute Olsen and Hayden Fry.

On March 23, 1985, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Valerie Jane House in Martensdale, Iowa, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. From this union two children were born: Christen May and Erin Rose. Bob was not afraid of hard work or teaching others what it meant to work hard and to have good character. He was a Driver’s Education teacher for over 40 years and an Industrial Arts teacher for over 30 years. He taught at several schools, but most of his teaching career was spent at Martensdale-St. Mary’s School. He was a football and boys track coach at Martensdale St. Mary’s leading several athletes to State Track competitions.

He had a passion for woodworking, watching British comedies, animals, music especially the 1970s and 80s, being a proud Democrat but most importantly was the time he got to spend with his family and friends.

He served as a Martensdale city councilman, a member of the Martensdale Lions and was active in the First United Methodist Church in Indianola for many years. He recently attended the Central Christian Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife: Valerie; two children: Christen (Johnny) McKay and Erin (Brett) McKenzie; grandchildren: Corbin McKay, Claire McKenzie and Reagan McKay and father: Bernard Clare Sondag.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sondag; one sister, Joanne “Bitsy” McCaulley and two brother-in-law’s, Walt McCaulley and Mike Durst.