Robert Vantuyl
Celebration of Life service for Robert Vernon Vantuyl, 87, of Greene, Iowa, was at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at Retz Funeral Home, 519 N. 1st St., Greene, Iowa, with Pastor Judy Wooton officiating.
Visitation was from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2015, at the funeral home and continued after the service with refreshments and fellowship.
Robert was born on June 23, 1928, in Peabody, the son of Joseph V. and Helen W. (Taylor) Vantuyl, and died July 2, 2015, at the Rehabilitation Center of Allison, Allison, Iowa. He was a member of the Methodist Church in Olathe.
He graduated high school in Peabody. Robert earned both his bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees at Emporia State University Teachers College. He attended Kansas University, where he received his master of education degree and his MBA and was just a few credits short of his doctorate.
Robert enlisted in the United States Army, where he served during the Korean Conflict, receiving his honorable discharge in August, 1953.
He was employed as a high school math teacher in Scott City and an elementary principal in Hiawatha and Olathe. Robert taught math at the Leavenworth prison as well as at Johnson County Junior College. He retired after 23 years as the director of business affairs for the Olathe schools.
Robert belonged to the Math Fraternity, Kansas Beta Chapter; Kappa Sigma Epsilon; Tau Kappa Epsilon; Lions Club (10-year monarch). He was a charter member of the Boy Scout Troop No. 83; was president of Sertoma Club in 1981 and 1982, and was president of the Kansas Association of School Business Officials in 1987 and 1988.
On July 16, 2005, Robert was united in marriage to Wilma “Billie” Kingery at the United Methodist Church in Marble Rock, Iowa.
He enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, playing golf, and doing Sudoku puzzles. Robert and Billie traveled extensively but notably to Texas, Alaska, and London. Robert and Billie made numerous trips to San Antonio to enjoy theater and Christmas lights. Additionally the family gathered in Miami to go on a Caribbean cruise, which was a very special time in their life. Robert wintered in the “Valley” in Texas for 23 years.
Living family members include his wife, Wilma “Billie,” of Greene; two children Robert (Dana) Vantuyl Jr. and Connie (Lou) Goldsby, Kansas City area; Billie’s three sons, Stanley (Paula) Kingery, Nora Springs, Iowa; Daniel (Lynn) Kingery, Marble Rock, Iowa, and Duane Kingery, Marble Rock, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Meredith (Wes) O’Neal, Marshall Preble, Megan, Abigail and Darrin Kingery, Alicia Kingery and Kristen (Shane) Uker; two brothers, Mervin (Susan) Vantuyl and Jay (Sharon) Vantuyl, all of Kansas City; one sister, Barbara Atkins, Kansas City; many nieces and nephews and friends.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Edith Ann Houseman and Jeanie Francis, and one brother, Larry Vantuyl.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Robert Vantuyl Memorial Fund, PO Box 591, Greene IA 50636