Robert “Bob” Witt, 96, of Bettendorf, Iowa passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Clarissa C Cook Hospice House. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House or to Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bettendorf.
Bob was born on September 3, 1928 to Charles and Bertha Witt in Davenport, Iowa. He attended Davenport Public Schools and St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Bob married Dorothy Herman on September 17, 1949 in the Quad Cities. In 1952, Bob was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Polk, Louisiana and Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He and Dorothy returned to Davenport in 1954 and he began his career in the hardware business. Later, he started his own business, Witt Mechanical Contractors (later Witcon, Inc.), building water and sewer treatment plants all over the state of Iowa and Illinois. After retirement, Bob and Dorothy moved to Michigan and lived there for over 30 years before returning to the Quad Cities in 2017.
Bob was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. He was a builder at heart, enjoying woodworking(a love passed on to his granddaughter), making stained glass, fishing on Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan, playing cards, and traveling. Bob and Dorothy enjoyed many Elderhostel adventures and trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. Most of all Bob loved to spend time with his family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 75 years, Dorothy; daughter Betsy (Scott) Helmich; grandchildren Emily (Brent) Nelsen, Robert Gogulich, and Michael (Allison) Helmich; great-grandsons Caleb & Joel Nelsen; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy “Dode”, brother Charles, nephew Charles “Chip”, and niece Kathleen Grace-Davis.
