Robert W. “Rob” Vonk, 55, of Montezuma died Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City from cancer. Rob died as he lived, with character, strength and courage. He spent his last days surrounded by family and friends, joking and laughing. He spoke encouragingly and compassionately to those he loved, expressing pride in his children, his family, his friends and his work.

Rob was born Sept. 5, 1956, in Newton. He graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1974. He attended Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and St. Mary’s College in Minneapolis. Since 1999, Rob has been the director of anesthesia at Washington County Hospital.

Rob is survived by his children, Davis and Darien Vonk (and Amanda Martin, who was like a daughter to him); his siblings, Rick and Raeleen Vonk; as well as many other family and friends. His parents, Richard and Lorraine Vonk, and his brother, Rodger Vonk, preceded him in death.