I first met Bob in 1979 when my family moved to Cedar Rapids. He was my first drum instructor before I started middle school. Never did I imagine I would end up becoming best friends with his son, Joel, and would get to know his family so well over the years. He was a man of high integrity and was loved by anyone who knew him. He touched the lives of so many and he will be greatly missed.

Brian Rood
October 1, 2020

Bob was a wonderful friend and mentor to me when I first became involved in the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band. I remember sharing rides with him to concerts. I respected his musicianship and teaching ability, and his dedication to the Municipal Band was unparalleled. I remember listening to so many of his young students developing great sounds on their instruments, and knew that I wanted my daughter, Marissa, to study trombone with him. I always looked forward to brief chats with him before and/or after her lessons. We will miss Bob greatly, but we are all grateful that we had the benefit of his kindness, his dedication, and his musicianship. Bill Carson and family

William Carson
October 1, 2020

Mr Sadilek was my band teacher at McKinley during the 1960’s... I will always recall him as a mentor to all of us..We all started out “taking a class”, but through our time with Mr Sadilek, we became musicians. We made a record in the last year of Jr High..when I listen to it from time to time, the music he pulled out of 8th and 9th graders was astounding. He most certainly was “The Leader of the Band”.....

Rick Smith
October 2, 2020

Mr. Sadilek taught both of my sons private lessons when they were in high school. His love and passion for music and teaching was such a gift. He encouraged them and challenged them. I watched a few lessons and enjoyed watching Mr Sadilek on trombone playing along with them. When it came time for small group contest he was right there in the front row watching them perform their solos and right afterwards supporting them no matter what the outcome was. Thank you Mr. Sadilek for making a difference in my children's lives.

Lisa Shaffer
October 2, 2020

I played with Bob the past 11 years in the Iowa Military Veterans Band. I learned a lot from Bob on the bass trombone. I enjoyed every interaction I had with Bob in every rehearsal and concert we played together. I’ll miss my friend! Rest well Bob! My condolences to Judith and the family.

Jim Jezek
October 3, 2020

It was my distinct pleasure to have Bob Sadilek perform with us for several years in the Iowa Military Veterans Band. While directing the band, I could count on Bob's big bass trombone sound. He was all business as he played in the concert band and jazz band. Bob was such a kind, friendly man, and nice to talk to. I shall miss him whenever we begin to play again.

Jim Goodwin
October 3, 2020

It's not easy teaching and inspiring students. Thank you Mr. Sadilek for your many years of dedication. You guided students like me and I am the better for knowing you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

Beth Lage Pelic
October 3, 2020

Thank you Mr. Sadilek for your enthusiasm, patience and understanding as you taught so many young musicians. You were a mentor and a guide. I will never forget standing with you during trombone lessons and taking turns on the horn. You were a great teacher and a great example. Thanks for sharing that fat sound and inspiring me to continue learning.

Craig Bey
October 3, 2020

We were privileged to spend time with Bob during Renew meetings years ago and get to know him better. He was a gentle, kind man. He was positive and friendly. May he rest in eternal peace. And may his family know the comfort and strength that comes from our Lord during this difficult time.

Don and Fran Hatfield
October 3, 2020

Bob was a superb trombone tutor for my son during his high school band days at Linn-Mar. He was patient and kind, technical and instructional. For example, I used to play trombone and always thought a mouthpiece was a mouthpiece. Bob taught us how to select a mouthpiece that matched my son's embouchure. I would often look for him in the trombone section of community concerts events and note to others: "There's Bob!" The Cedar Rapids metro area was very blessed to have such a talent among us. May his family find consolation in memories of the goodness of Bob, and may he rest in peace, Amen.

Mr and Mrs Terrence Leier
October 4, 2020

My daughter had the opportunity to take lessons from Bob all through high school. He was a devoted teacher who taught her the love of her baritone, as well as challenged her to always improve. It was also a treat to see him playing in church and in the concerts in the park. He could not have been a better influence and a kinder man. May your family know his kindness will always be remembered.

Monica Goeddel
October 4, 2020

Bob was a wonderful musician and an even better person. I took private lessons from him, and not only did I appreciate his dry sense of humor, but his high expectations for all his students helped us to reach levels of musicianship I had never thought possible. He will be greatly missed.

Teresa Wang Goeddel
October 6, 2020

Mr. Sadilek got me started in playing the flute when I was in 5th grade. He was our band teacher in junior high and gave us group lessons as well. When I think of what he endured working with giggling silly junior high girls, my admiration grows! Always kind and caring, always challenging us to do better, he developed and nourished my talent. Please know that he left an indelible impression on me and many others.

Nan Haverkamp Moore
October 9, 2020

Mr. Sadilek taught me trombone lessons from fifth grade until I graduated high school. Under his instruction, and only because of his patience, persistence, and grace, I was selected to the Iowa All-State Band four years in a row. I still remember the smile on his face and the way he gently squeezed my arm when I told him during my senior year that I had received the honor of being placed first chair in that band. I realize, looking back, that was an honor I owe to Mr. Sadilek's commitment to excellence in teaching. Mr. Sadilek's instruction allowed me the opportunity to attend the University of Iowa by way of a music scholarship--a scholarship which removed a major barrier to my access to higher education. The principles of excellence Mr. Sadilek taught me, both directly and through example, were always present during my time at Iowa, as I competed successfully at international trombone festivals against other collegiate trombone students from schools like Juilliard and Northwestern. I have thought of Mr. Sadilek many times over the years--decades, really--since I graduated from college, and then law school. I've thought of how the real lessons that Mr. Sadilek taught me were not trombone lessons specifically. They were lessons about how to succeed in life. Mr. Sadilek taught me the importance of structured preparation, of patience, and of tenacity. Mr. Sadilek taught me that no matter how daunting a task may appear at the outset--whether learning all 12 major scales in two octaves at 88 beats per minute, or preparing for a weeks-long, complex jury trial--one can accomplish almost anything by taking things one step at a time. I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Sadilek's passing, and I offer my condolences to his family.

Paul Allen
October 12, 2020

I only knew Bob as a member and a leader of the CRMB. We often talked before a rehearsal or concert. He was one of those rare people who filled the room with joy and love and infectious positivity. He will be greatly missed.

David Haupt
October 18, 2020

I only just learned of Mr. Sadilek's passing. I can't believe I hadn't heard earlier. Like many other musicians from the Cedar Rapids area in this thread, Mr. Sadilek was my lesson instructor. He taught tuba just as much as he taught me how to be a good musician and a patient instructor. I fondly remember my lessons with him and still carry as much as I can of his teaching with me today. Bob will always have been a part of my musical journey and I hope I can inspire my students the way he inspired so many of his. Deepest condolences.

Wiatt Cariveau
December 6, 2021