Cover photo for Robert "Bob" Viola's Obituary
Robert "Bob" Viola Profile Photo
1953 Robert "Bob" 2021

Robert "Bob" Viola

July 11, 1953 — May 23, 2021

Robert “Bob” Viola passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 23, 2021 doing some of his favorite things, having breakfast with the “Bubs” and taking care of his picture-perfect lawn, garden and flowers. He lived life to the fullest, looking forward with no regrets … a good life well-lived.
Bob is preceded in death by a grandchild due in December; mother-in-law Margie (Walter) Hutchison of Lincoln, Nebraska; father-in-law Charles “Chuck” Heitman of Council Bluffs; and brother-in-law Charlie Heitman of Glenwood, Iowa.
Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn Heitman; son Joseph “Joe” Viola and his wife, Rosa; granddaughters Lilith “Lily” and Evelynn “Evie” Viola; father and mother, John and Norma “Billie” Viola, all of Council Bluffs; brother John (Colleen) Viola of Fort Worth, Texas; sister Carol (John) Zimmerman and brother Albert Viola of Council Bluffs; father-in-law, Walter “Walt” Hutchison of Lincoln, Nebraska; sister-in-law Cathy (Craig) Turner of Oakland, Iowa; sister-in-law Rhonda (Jeff) Diller; brother-in-law Tom (Sarah) Heitman; sister-in-law Suzanne “Suzy” Simmons, all of Council Bluffs; 18 nieces and nephews; best friends Jesse (Beth) Keenan and Dan (Irene) Gentile; extended family and many friends.
Bob was born on July 11, 1953 to John and Norma “Billie” Viola in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was a 1972 graduate of St. Albert High School. Bob continued his education at Northwest Missouri State University and then at the University of Iowa, completing 3+ years as an art major. Much later, when his wife, Marilyn, worked to complete her bachelor’s degree, he always teased that he’d go back to complete his remaining 8 credit hours ahead of her, but it was no longer important to him.
After college, Bob returned to Council Bluffs and worked for 11+ years as a glazier at Keenan Glass, before he became a landscape gardener at the City of Omaha, retiring in 2015. In retirement, Bob continued his love of the outdoors, in particular fishing and golf. He spent his spring, summer and autumn weekdays golfing with other retired friends.
Bob and Marilyn married on July 20, 1990 and were blessed with their wonderful son, Joseph. Bob was a great dad and grandfather, thinking up any excuse to stop by to see his granddaughters.
Bob was a very good artist … drawing cartoon characters for his granddaughters, several of his photographs from college are framed and displayed at home, he played guitar, hunted, fished, snow skied, water skied, and above all loved the game of golf … both playing and watching televised tournaments. Bob had a natural ability to fix just about anything … engines, electrical, home repairs, and plumbing (which he detested).
Bob loved to tell stories, as many family and friends can attest. The more outrageous the story seemed … and the better his audience … but the stories were always true with maybe a bit of embellishment.
A private viewing for immediate family will be held prior to his cremation. His family plans a celebration of life event at an Open House on Sunday, July 18, 2021 from 2:00-5:00pm at Queen of Apostles Social Hall, 34th Street and 4th Avenue in Council Bluffs. It is intended as a lighthearted, joyous remembrance of Bob and his life, where family and friends can share their favorite memories. Come and share a "Bob" story – PG only as children will be present – to celebrate this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. NOTE: THE FAMILY REQUESTS THAT PANDEMIC GUIDELINES BE OBSERVED – INCLUDING WEARING A MASK IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN VACCINATED – REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OF IOWA EASING RESTRICTIONS. If you feel ill, PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND.
The family will direct memorials.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Sunday, July 18, 2021

2:00 - 5:00 pm (Central time)

Corpus Christi Parish - Queen of Apostles Church

3304 4th Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

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