I knew Bob as a reader at Grant Wood and once a neighbor to my friends.  Kind friendly guy.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR DR. BOB = Saturday June 8th, 10:30 am to 12 noon at Terry Trueblood Recreation Area Shelter #2     579 McCollister  Iowa City, IA     Please call Margaret Oppliger Boyd with any questions 941-320-2552

Bob often participated in lab meetings/ journal club held for both graduate and undergrad students within the  U of Iowa Exercise Science (Physiology) program (late 1980s-early90s).  Everyone loved Bob, we knew him as a helpful friend, a mentor, an easy-going guy with a gentle fun smile, a guy who was alway willing to help younger students, often giving kind words of encouragement or wise advice or help in statistical analysis!   Thank you Bob!   Bob was a  great friend, a genuinely nice person, an excellent role model.

Al Ryan

I send my sincere condolences to Bob's sister and brothers for their loss.   Reading through the many comments posted, it strikes me that Bob had a large "family" all over Iowa City who will also miss him terribly.  I had no idea of his many, many contributions to the local community by promoting safe bicycling for kids and adults, and to the Big Brothers/Sisters.    I first met Bob is as a fellow graduate student way back in the 1970's at the University of Iowa... we were housemates for several years on Yewell Street, along with 3 others.    We kept in touch off and on over the years through American College of Sports Medicine, more recently while working for a memorial symposium and named lecture for our common former U of I mentor, Dr. Charles Tipton.    He was a fervent advocate for ACSM and inspired me  and many others to help with a Lobby US Congress Day ~2010 on behalf of funding for research on health benefits of physical activity.   Just this year he recruited me to assist on an effort to devise safe weight loss practice guidelines for female HS and collegiate wrestlers.   What a role model for giving back to one's community (local and national) throughout retirement!   God speed, friend and colleague.

Bob's commitment to safe cycling in Iowa City was unparalleled. His  drive to bring bike advocates together knew no end. It was inspiring and contagious. Bob not only dreamed big, he put in the work to bring those dreams closer to reality. He worked tirelessly, and, often, thanklessly towards a better future for all . Bob served his community to the very end and I am proud to have known him.

Bob was a wonderful ACSM colleague who provided great support for NCAA wrestling research / policy, bicycle policy and most recently a position stand around women wrestlers.  He often spent the night with us when visiting the Indianapolis area and always showed sincere interest in our family and my career (as well as St Louis Cardinal baseball of which I am also a fan). 

A good friend and one who was truly engaged in both the research and general exercise communities.

Rest in peace after a life well spent.

Randall Dick, FACSM

I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with Bob Oppliger when he was at ACT.  I remember that he brought a smile into each room he entered and his kindness was endless.  My thoughts are with all of Bob's family and friends.  Please know that he touched many lives while at ACT and he will always be remembered.

I was so sorry to hear about Bob's passing.  I served with Bob on ACSM's Health and Science Policy Committee.  For a time, he chaired that committee.  However I was familiar with Bob from the work he had done on wrestling and weight standards, which went a long way toward reducing the risk of dehydration-related cardiac events in that sport.  Bob was gentle, caring, engaging, and an encourager.  He was also a tireless advocate for bicycling and thinking through the built environment in community planning to promote physical fitness across all types of persons.  I will miss his smile, his enthusiasm and his wisdom.  My condolences to his family.

Chad Carlson, MD
Des Moines, IA

A hiking trip to Big Bend National Park in October 2022

I was saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. I knew Bob through his efforts to make cycling more common, safe, and pleasurable. Bob keenly recognized the importance of bringing safe cycling to young people and showing them both the fun and practical sides of bicycles. He was focused and dogged in his advocacy and programming pursuits.  While we did not always agree on the "how", we shared a common hope for the future of transportation cycling. I would like to extend my condolences to his family and friends and acknowledge Bob's passing on behalf of the many cyclists that benefit from his work without ever knowing his name.

Bob was an enthusiastic and tireless advocate for bicycling and never missed an opportunity to encourage people to ride. He was especially passionate about encouraging children and for many years organized bicycle rodeos at schools throughout Johnson County. He played an important role in moving Iowa City forward with its Bicycle Master Plan (adopted in 2017) and was instrumental in areas of “Education” and “Encouragement.” He eagerly anticipated each new bike lane and trail segment and publicly shared his appreciation as each new element of bicycle infrastructure was added. He was always smiling and always looking forward to new opportunities.

I have known Bob for many years and shared a love of wrestling. Over those years we would meet at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, talk shop and catch up. Recently, I had the pleasure to serve with him on an important ACSM committee which he chaired. He was an excellent leader and colleague. His passion for cycling was paramount.  My thoughts go out to his family and all the folks he touched. During this poignant time, I hope the memories that you made together will comfort you as they have me. Rest in peace my friend.

Dear Dot, Margaret and Norm,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother.  I knew him for so long I thought about him as a family member.  I met Bob in the early '80s on BIC rides in the area.  We used to have picnics together and epic games of Trivial Pursuit (Bob always knew all the sports questions).  My kids grew up with Bob in their lives- he taught my son to swim.  He always came to their high school swim meets and every important event in their lives.  He drove to North Carolina to attend our daughter's wedding and was looking forward to our son's wedding.  During the pandemic he was in our pod and we had dinner together every other week.  During the summers we made salsa together and every Christmas he would bring a jar of "Bob's Christmas Cheer" to us.  Bob was always organizing some summer leisure ride, bike rodeo at a school, or the Run for the Schools. He worked tirelessly for kids in the community volunteering to read to kids at Grant Wood Elementary and tending a vegetable garden at the school.  Our family is all going to miss him terribly. RIP Dr. Bob.

Bob was one of the first people I met in the IC biking scene. He was always gearing up for the next bike rodeo or event. He was up down and all around town making sure various pockets of bikers were taken care of whether it be through service, advocacy, or money. He especially was passionate about making sure the next generations were equipped to enjoy bike life. He elevated the bike culture, was a catalyst for change, and leaves in his tracks, a legacy to celebrate.

Bob was my brother-in-law and a pretty amazing guy.  Bob was athletic and so incredibly intelligent-I know, he whipped me several times at Trivial Pursuit. My first encounter was a trip to Iowa City with the family.  He asked if anyone wanted to go for a bike ride. I couldn't understand why I was the only one who wanted to go until we hit the 20th mile and my rear end hurt like crazy. Bob also had a wicked sense of humor.  I always saw him with a smile on his face.  For one Christmas, he gave me the Game of Iowa and cackled wildly when he saw the expression on the guy from Oregon's face.  He didn't laugh as loudly when I re-gifted it to him the next year but, I smiled.  For my 50th birthday, he contacted everyone he knew (a lot of people) to email me a Happy Birthday wish.  I spent most of the day returning those emails. Bob had many names-Dr. Oppliger, Dr. Bob, Bobby, Bob and the most used around me-Uncle Bob. He wrote many papers and gave presentations in his work in exercise science and collegiate wrestling. He worked in Iowa City to improve and promote bicycling.  He founded the Robert A. Oppliger Award at Indiana University for students earning degrees in library and information sciences. He never was one to brag about his accomplishments, he just moved on to the next mountain.  Bob did what most of us wish for-he left this world a better place. Uncle Bob will be missed.

We are saddened to hear of Bob's passing.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, Bigs and Littles have benefitted A LOT from Bob's generosity.  He always remembered our matches when it was time for Hawkeye sporting events.  He provided free tickets to many events.  These are extra special as many of our youth/families wouldn't otherwise have these opportunities to experience the joy and excitement of Hawkeye athletics.  Clearly, reading the other messages, Bob leaves a lasting legacy to many in our community.  Our deepest sympathies.

My condolences to the family. Bob and I met through ACSM which seems a common thread for many. He helped establish the wrestling weight certification process in the late 80s that we still use today. Always a great person to work with.
Bill Roberts

I knew Bob as a colleague through ACSM on the ActivEarth Task Force and more recently as co-chair of the Built Environment and Active Transportation Special Interest Group. Even in retirement, he remained involved in ACSM and in helping his community become more bikeable. I will miss his wit and expertise.  My condolences.

I met Bob as a part of a committee at the American College of Sports Medicine. We enjoyed our time in Washington DC talking to members of Congress about healthcare change. He convinced me to apply for fellow of ACSM.  I enjoyed working with him and I will miss his warm demeanor and his smile. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Dear Opliger Family and Friends. 

On behalf of the ACSM staff team, we extend our deepest condolences to Bob's family and friends during this difficult time. We were deeply saddened to learn about Bob's passing and we share in the grief that has befallen your family.

Bob's contributions to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) were truly remarkable. His dedication, passion, and leadership were instrumental in shaping the organization and leaving a lasting impact on the field of sports medicine. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps.

Once again, our heartfelt condolences go out to Bob's family and friends. May you find strength and unity in each other during this challenging time.

With sympathy,
Kristin Belleson
ACSM, CEO

I met Bob as a part of a committee at the American College of Sports Medicine. I have enjoyed serving with him and sharing his passion for bicycling. I will miss seeing him. Sending much love to friends and family.

Bob in the red jacket surrounded by Hawkeye women’s basketball and gymnastic athletes during the South District Neighborhood Association’s Annual Team Up to Clean Up Day of Service at Grant Wood Elementary Garden site he started up over a decade ago to provide an outdoor classroom while also increasing assesses to healthy foods in our neighborhood. 

Bob not only had great ideas, but was also right there getting his hands dirty to make these ideas a reality. He could lead and follow in a way that made me feel seen and less alone, that made me feel like me and my family belonged in this community and that we also needed to be part of the change.  Thank you Bob for empowering and loving SO many right here in the streets where you lived. To me, Bob Oppliger will always be  an inspiration and an example for all of us to follow if we are serious about creating the change we seek from the ground upwards! 

Your memory lives on in ALL the people you helped, learned from, brought together and in all the beauty and resources you have brought into the Iowa City area and beyond!

I met Bob back in early 2017, it was Christmas Day, unusually warm, the kids and I were at their elementary school yarn bombing the fence (with permission) when a bicyclist stopped and asked if I knew the school’s PTO president. I happened to be the president at that time and let him know—he was excited to engage to get a Bike Rodeo at “the last elemenotary school in the district.” 

Bob had these bike rodeos at ALL the other schools and Alexander Elem. Was the newest. Little did we both know that this encounter would lead to multiple bike rodeos at the school and neighborhood park, monthly leisure neighborhood group bike rides, bike to school youth group,  the expansion of an annual Team Up to Clean Up neighborhood event, fundraising for a neighborhood mural, loads of engagement and education at South District Neighborhood Meetings, Referring my kids’ soccer games, building and painting a shed at the Grant Wood Elem. School garden and so much more including our friendship.  

Bob mentored me beyond what all I can share in this message box. He empowered me and my family to be brave with our ideas and our actions to revitalize our side of town while making time to check in on each other with small gifts like Bob’s Christmas Cheer (egg nog in our mailbox around the holidays), text messages and emails with updates and follow ups. He gave my youngest their first paid job of mowing his lawn, shared Hawkeye women’s basketball tickets.

Bob taught me how to ride my bike in the bike lanes in the street and on country roads. He shared connections/resources as if it were second nature to build a network of doers advocating for sustained change.  He made my husband laugh and my kids smile. 

My heart is full when I think of how lucky we Jordans are to have gotten to know him and to call him friend.  Of all the memories of Bob, my favorite was his face when working alongside the Hawkeye Women’s Basketball Team in the Grant Wood Elem. Garden during a neighborhood clean up day.

Bob was a friend and scholar. As a Jr faculty, I contacted him in 1996 to discuss weight loss issues in wrestlers, a cold call. What resulted was 25 years of collaborative research, a great friendship and the NCAA wrestling weight management program as it is today. He was a skillful mentor and a caring friend. I am thankful he answered my phone call. RIP my dear friend.

Alan Utter

I worked w Bob for a few years at the College of Nursing at UI.  He was brilliant and meticulous.  I will miss seeing him at the farmers market and on his bike in our community.

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. He was a great scientist and an even better person! I only got to know him towards the end of his career and it was immediately evident that he cared deeply about the sport of wrestling and doing what he could to look out for the health and safety of the wrestlers. I will do my part to help carry his legacy on and continue his work. At the time of his passing he has two scientific articles out for review just to show how hard he worked, all the way up until the end.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

-Andrew Jagim, Mayo Clinic

OBITUARY

Robert A. Oppliger

June 10, 1945 – December 21, 2023

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

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