Robert J. Fencl, 70, of Waterloo, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Bob was born on February 17, 1956, in Waterloo, to Raymond and Betty (Rolfes) Fencl. After graduating from Waterloo West High School, he joined the United States Navy. He later went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from University of Northern Iowa.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 until 1978. During the fall of Saigon, he helped feed Vietnamese refugees aboard the carrier, USS Midway. Following his Navy service, he worked for defense munitions contractor Chamberlain Manufacturing and later as an Engineer for John Deere.

In 2005, Bob was in an accident that left him paralyzed and given a 2 percent chance of ever walking again. In true Bob fashion, he was determined to walk and was able to do so again with aid. He adapted to a new way of life without letting his injuries define him.

Bob embraced life with determination and purpose. A skilled athlete, he earned a black belt in Shotokan karate and later became an accomplished competitor, winning numerous medals at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Military Olympics. He also enjoyed the outdoors, proudly tagging deer on hunting trips with TIO Hunting and creating lasting memories on fishing outings with Veterans Castaways Disabilities. Through Paralyzed Veterans of America and adaptive sports, Bob enjoyed golfing at annual golf outings and water skiing. Deeply connected to the veteran community in Black Hawk County, Bob especially valued the fellowship of Coffee and Camaraderie and the many veterans organizations of which he was a part.

He is preceded in death by his parents and niece, Erin (Roethler) Trumblee.

Bob is survived by his brothers, Richard, and Randall (Tamara) Fencl, both of Waterloo; sisters, Judy (Michael) Roethler and Colleen (Mike) Stafford, both of Cedar Falls and Barbara Fencl of Waterloo; treasured friend, Bruce (Nadine) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Family to receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, with military honors provided by the United States Navy and American Legion Becker Chapman Post #138. Inurnment at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery to be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.