Robert Nohavec Obituary

Robert Gene Nohavec

In Loving Memory

1936 ~ 2025

Robert G. "Bob" Nohavec PhD, of Park City, Utah passed away September 10th, 2025.

He was born on August 30, 1936 at the farm home of Frank and Iola (Marcelino) Nohavec in Crete, Nebraska. After his graduation from Crete High School in 1954, Bob attended Doane College (now Doane University) in Crete where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958, majoring in music and mathematics. He immediately began his teaching career as the music teacher at Neligh High School in Neligh, Nebraska. It was during that first year in Neligh that he met the love of his life, Jean Ann Muckey, and on May 22, 1960, they were married at her church, the Congregational Church of Neligh. This past May, they celebrated their 65th year of marriage.

In the Fall of 1960, Bob and Jean Ann moved to Crete, where Bob assumed the position of instrumental music teacher for the Crete Schools. It was here that their two children, Bob and Beth, were born. In 1964, Bob completed the requirements for a Masters Degree from the University of Nebraska, and in 1966, he accepted a position as vocal music instructor and then director of school media at the Douglas School System in Rapid City, South Dakota. After receiving his Doctorate of Education from the University Of South Dakota, the family moved to Salt Lake City, UT, where he took the position of Director of Educational Media for the state of Utah.

Bob never departed far from working in the field of music, serving as the choir director for churches in Crete, Neligh, Rapid City, and Salt Lake City. He also founded three Christian singing ensembles - "The Joyful Sound", "Joy 4 Him", and "The Bells Of Joyful Sound".

In 2007, he founded the "Mixed Nuts", a musical instrumental quintet, performing Big Band music of the 40s and 50s at dozens of senior centers, retirement centers, assisted living centers, and memory care centers in the Salt Lake area. In June of 2018, Doane University, honored him with the Platt Award, in recognition of his work in the music field.

Bob was always concerned for our environment. He was an avid recycler, drove an electric car, added solar panels to their home, and shopped with reusable bags.

Bob was a retired veteran, having served his country for 20 years as a member of the Army National Guard.

Bob and Jean Ann were lifelong members of the United Methodist Church and during their entire married life, they faithfully supported churches in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah where they held memberships.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jean Ann, as well as his children, Robert (Paula) Nohavec, Elizabeth Chapman, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Please join us for services celebrating Bob's life, Saturday afternoon, October 18, starting at 2PM at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church, 8931 South 3200 West, West Jordan, Utah. Reverend Philip Rogers will officiate the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Mountain Vista United Methodist Church.

In light of his passing from this temporary, earthly dwelling to his permanent, heavenly home, Bob will be forever remembered for the positive impact he had upon innumerable lives with his work and through his faith. He will be dearly missed.