Robert Mc Cormack

Every life has a story. And though we are biased, we think his was exemplary. Robert Edward McCormack—Bob, Dr. Bob,“Corm” to those who knew him well—lived a life of kindness and decency, demonstrated a fierce loyalty and devotion to his family, and walked daily with a faith-filled connection to his Maker.     Funeral services for Bob will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 8 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. For more 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.     Bob was born in Hagersville, Ontario, Canada on Jan. 12, 1934 to Roy and Louise (Lily) McCormack. The youngest son of six children, Bob spent his early childhood in Hagersville, later moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa where he graduated from St. Edmonds High School. Friendship connections landed him employment at Gus Glazers in the curing department. He always knew how to choose a good ham! He enlisted in the United States Army where he developed a deep dislike for chipped beef on toast. Following the Army he enrolled at the University of Northern Iowa and met the love of his life, Rochelle DeWinter. Married in Fort Dodge on Feb. 16th, 1957, theirs was a 61-year love story. He adored her and vowed to forever wash her car, run to the grocery store at all times of the day or night, and dance with her even if it required wearing square dance attire. Bob graduated from UNI with his teaching degree and accepted his first assignment as a biology teacher and football coach at Fayette High School. Excelling in that role, he filled similar positions in Cherokee and Marshalltown, where he and Rochelle finally established roots. For the remainder of his career Corm would walk the halls (faster than most) of multiple school buildings in the Marshalltown school district. He continued his education achieving his master’s degree and later a Ph.D. in Education from Iowa State University. As he gained degrees and a reputation as a strong leader, he assumed the roles of guidance counselor, then assistant principal at Marshalltown High School,  then principal of Lenihan and Anson junior high schools. He wrapped up his 28-year career back where he started—at MHS as principal. After “retiring” from MHS he went on to mentor numerous aspiring educators as a coordinator for the UNI Student Teaching Program.     Corm enjoyed spending time with family, golfing, fishing, cooking, dancing, relaxing on his porch swing, and mowing the lawn at lightning speed. And though he never hesitated to hop in the car for a road trip—and there were many—he was happiest at home.     Left to forever miss his giant hugs and joyful spirit: his wife, Rochelle; daughters Jaci (Doug) Hayes and Jan (Drew) Miller; four granddaughters: Shelby (Travis) Hayes Allen, Sadie (Anand) Hayes Hase, Hillary Hayes (fiancé Max Barron), and Jordan Miller; and one great-grandson, Max Allen; a sister, Mary Lou (Neal) Sharp; several nieces and nephews; and one spoiled four-legged pup, Sophie.     In death he joins his parents and his siblings, Jack, Bill, Jim, and Pat.   Memorials can be made in Bob’s name to the Marshalltown Auditorium Foundation.