Robert "Bob" Narotzky

Dr. Robert (“Bob”) Narotzky—cherished as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and gifted neurosurgeon—passed away on June 28, 2025. He combined unwavering devotion to his family and community with deep kindness, scientific brilliance, a love of the outdoors and adventure, and a rare ability to lift others up and bring people together through his generous spirit. Bob touched countless lives and leaves behind a world made better by all that he gave.

Bob grew up in Ishpeming, a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with his parents, Dr. Archie and Betty Narotzky, his twin sister Linda, and older sister Ellen. His father, the town’s general surgeon, was the most instrumental person in determining his life’s path. Shadowing him on house calls and hospital rounds, Bob saw patients pay with garden vegetables or freshly hunted venison—and he witnessed his dad’s unwavering devotion to each person. Those early lessons shaped both his career and his conviction to help people above all else.

Accepted to Northwestern University’s Honors Program in Medical Education, he completed his undergraduate coursework in just two years before moving straight into medical school. Because his high school did not offer calculus, a prerequisite to the program, he talked a professor into letting him take Calculus I and II over the summer at the same time—then aced both. That mix of determination and brainpower was his trademark, matched only by his kindness.

After earning his M.D., he completed residency and a neurosurgery fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, becoming the youngest board-certified neurosurgeon in the United States. He went on to practice in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, at what became Mayo Clinic Health System, and in Casper, Wyoming, where he founded Central Wyoming Neurosurgery. He was a brilliant surgeon who practiced for nearly forty years, treating every patient like family and saving countless lives. Even in “retirement” from full-time practice, he did not slow down: serving as a guest lecturer in neuroanatomy for colleges and medical schools, consulting on medical matters, and acting as an expert witness. He frequently shared his medical knowledge with anyone who asked—friends, family, acquaintances, friends of friends—reviewing scans, explaining procedures, and offering thoughtful guidance. Patients and families often told his children how Dr. Bob had impacted their lives and guided them through their hardest moments—stories that remain a lasting source of pride.

He did not just touch his patients’ lives; he did the same for us, his wife, children, and family. Whether times were good or challenging, he was the one we turned to. He had a tremendous capacity to listen and gently guide. He was generous and loving. He taught us the value of hard work, the importance of enjoying life, and the meaning of showing up for others. We treasure the big adventures—family trips around the world, hiking remote trails, skiing fresh powder—but also the small ones: running errands while listening to Neil Diamond, helping in the yard, simply being together. His presence made us feel safe, supported, and deeply loved.

Bob was an avid bowhunter who harvested 15 of North America’s 28 big-game animals. He made the best pancakes and fueled himself with copious amounts of Diet Mountain Dew. He loved the Green Bay Packers, a passion shared across generations—first attending games at Lambeau Field with his father using their season tickets, and later with his eldest grandson. He delighted in skiing at Bridger Bowl, and was happiest when his children and grandchildren were on the mountain with him. Knee and back surgeries never slowed him down. He called his property in Bozeman his “slice of heaven”—and whether hiking, building a bridge, or planting trees, it was a special place for him, and for his family.

Committed to community and education, Bob and his wife, Theresa (“Terri”), endowed multiple scholarships at Montana State University, including the Presidential Scholarship, Honors College Scholarship, Accelerated Nursing Program Scholarships, Hilleman Program Scholarship, and scholarships through the WWAMI medical school. He believed education keeps America “the land of the free.”

Bob was extraordinary. He lived each day to the fullest. We are so proud that he was our husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. We will miss him immensely.

Bob is survived by countless people who loved him and whom he loved—his wife, Terri; his four children: Nicole Narotzky Jetton (Doug), Sarah Narotzky Dubin (Jonathan), Emma Narotzky (Seth), and Jade Narotzky; and his cherished grandchildren: Andrew, Gabrielle, Myla, Samantha, and Robin. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Kennedy; his nephew, Jonathan Kennedy; and his niece, Louisa Kuljurgis; along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Betty, and his beloved twin sister, Linda.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Utah Health Center for Cardiac Amyloidosis Research, https://giving.utah.edu/cardiovascular, or to the Montana State University Narotzky Scholarship Programs, www.msuaf.org/narotzky.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Firelight Farm in Bozeman, Montana, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. More details are available at www.forevermissed.com/robert-narotzky-memorial/about, where memories and condolences may be shared with the family.