ROBERT ‘BOB’ DANNER

MUSCATINE, IA – Robert ‘Bob’ Danner, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

A Masonic and Eastern Star Service will begin at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, followed by the Funeral Service at 3:00 p.m., both at Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor Aleese Kenitzer and Pastor Susan Bantz will officiate. A time of dessert and fellowship will follow the service at the church.

The Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s honor, in care of his wife, Mary, to the St. Florian Fire and Burn Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Bob was born on December 15, 1943, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Olin and Deva Drake Danner. He married the love of his life, Mary Hardman, on June 4, 1966, at Jerusalem Methodist Church in Creston, Iowa. Together, they shared 60 years of marriage and built a life filled with family, music, faith, and countless memories.

Bob graduated from Drake University with a degree in music education and dedicated his life to teaching music. He began his teaching career in 1965 and continued until his retirement in 2006. Throughout his career, he inspired generations of students through his love of music and his passion for helping others discover their own musical talents.

Music was truly at the heart of Bob’s life. He was especially known for his beautiful piano playing, his work as a music director, and his years of service as a church organist. He was a pioneer in Southwest Iowa, where he started the area’s first show choir and proudly took his students to perform at the Iowa State Fair. He was also involved in a music fraternity and remained active in the music community throughout his life.

Bob shared his talents generously beyond the classroom and church. He was involved with the Miss America pageants at both the state and local levels and provided entertainment at the Grove at the Muscatine County Fair for many years. Whether sitting at a piano, directing a choir, teaching students, or helping bring an event to life, Bob had a gift for bringing people together through music.

Bob was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Brubaker Masonic Lodge in Davenport, Electa Chapter Eastern Star, CB Radio Club, Iowa State Education Association, and Choral Directors.

Above all, Bob will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his wife, Mary; children, Laura (Scott) DeBoer, Bill Danner, and Sarah (Jon) King; grandchildren, Kirsten Seaboch, Calli (Thomas) Bagger, Emily King, and Owen King; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin and Deva Danner, and his in-laws, Robert and Bernice Hardman.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of music, teaching, faith, and service. His music touched many lives. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.