Robert J. Maurer

Bob was born Aug. 23, 1955, to William and Virginia Maurer in Gary, Ind. He grew up in Gary and attended William A. Wirt High School, where he was an outstanding three sport athlete, graduating in 1973. He attended Colorado Northwestern Junior College from 1973-1975 on baseball scholarship and was then recruited by Lewis-Clark State College as a center fielder. He attended LCSC from 1975-1978, graduating with Bachelor of Science in education and was a member of the first Warrior baseball team to play in the NAIA World Series.

Bob married Terri Hoagland in August 1978. They moved to Lame Deer, Mont., where he taught physical education at Lame Deer School. In 1980, they moved to Culdesac and Bob continued to teach physical education, coach a variety of sports and taught driver's education at Culdesac High School until he retired in 2012.

Bob and Terri had four children: Jack, Rachael, Dennis and Kevin. He enjoyed coaching his sons' basketball and baseball teams while they were young then watching their athletic games at Lewiston High and American Legion baseball. Bob had a special bond with Rachael, and he helped her reach milestones "experts" said were impossible.

Bob was an amazing and influential man not only to his kids, but also to all of his students. He didn't have to find the best in everyone, but he always did and had the gift to help others believe in themselves. While he had a big impact on his students, his students made a huge impact on his life. His humor and wit was with him until he took his last breath. He never gave up the fight while still being a goofball, making sure everyone around him had a smile on their face.

Those who know Bob are aware he was a master on the barbecue. Bob and his friend, C.A., would come up with new things to throw in the grill all the time. They taught together for over 20 years, and were inseparable. They're not only known for being outstanding educations, but the best pranksters around.

Even though Bob lead a busy and influential life, he always found a way to be around his kids. Whether he made Dennis and Kevin basketball managers for his teams, taking them to Culdesac to beat his students in dodgeball or holding his post in the outfield watching their baseball games, he was always around, showing them that family is everything.

He is survived by his sons Dennis and Kevin Maurer (Carol), his mother Virginia, all of Lewiston; his brother Tom (Dianne) of Carson City, Nev., and his stepdaughter Whitney (Alan) and numerous nephews, one niece and three grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Rachael, his son Jack, his father William, his brother Will, and sisters Carol and Phyllis.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to S.O.F.T. in his daughter's name: 2982 South Union St., Rochester, N.Y., 14624 or American Legion Baseball Post 13, P.O. Box 683, Lewiston, ID, 83501.

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Please sign the online guest book at vassar-rawls.com