Robert H. Sternowski

Robert H. Sternowski, age 78, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on Monday, April 6, 2026, at home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where the family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the Mass. The Reverend James Brokman will officiate. A Private Family Committal Service will be held later at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Bob was born in Paterson, New Jersey, the son of Helen (Lubowicki) Sternowski and Henry Sternowski. Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton; a Master of Commerce from the University of Richmond; and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University.

Sergeant Robert Sternowski served in the 392nd Army Band as a clarinetist and company clerk.

Bob spent 34 years as a design engineer at Collins Radio Company (Rockwell). During this time, he was awarded 30 patents. Upon retirement from Rockwell, Bob started a small business, Softronics, Ltd., in Marion, doing designs for many and varied customers.

Bob was a member of the Iowa Military Veterans Band, The New Horizons Band, the Marion Community Band, Marion Jazz Band, Merry Tuba Christmas, and Young at Harp. He was a cofounder of the Marion Big Band and served two terms on the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band Commission. Bob also volunteered as a saxophone teacher at Andrews Christian Academy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn La Fratta Sternowski, whom he met at the University of Dayton Student Union, watching Star Trek; and is also survived by his three children, Robert C. Sternowski, Katherine K. (Tony) Nurre, and Nicholas C. (Emily) Sternowski; and five grandchildren, Alex and Wes Sternowski, Lucy and Ellie Nurre, and Sofia Sternowski.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any memorial donations be made to http://IowaMilitaryVeteransBand.com/donate OR to Friends of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band at 4543 Twin Pines Drive NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 or use Venmo account: @focrmb.