Robert Duane Cottrell

Robert Duane Cottrell, age 91, of Columbus, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021. Robert was born in Farmersburg, Iowa, son of the late Doyle and Jeanette Cottrell, and is also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Cottrell, and his sister, Marilyn McMullen. Robert graduated high school in Des Moines, Iowa and went on to serve his country overseas in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return home, Robert earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University and his PhD in French Literature from Yale. Robert was a professor at Northwestern University, Amherst College, and The Ohio State University. He retired from Ohio State as the Romance Language and Literature Department Chair. Throughout his academic career, Robert wrote several books and remained a true scholar into his retirement. He enjoyed reading in both English and French, and listening to music, especially opera. He will be greatly missed by his children, Amelia (Steven Usdan) Cottrell and Andrew (Melissa Dymond) Cottrell; grandchildren, Avery, Ashton and Archer Cottrell; sister, Beverly VerSteeg; and other extended family members and friends. Services for Robert will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST. Memorial contributions may be made to the Whetstone Park of Roses, c/o Park of Roses Foundation, P.O. Box 09576, Columbus, Ohio 43209. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.