"Kurt, I was so sorry to see the notice from the ISBA regarding Judge Alpers passing. I had the privilege of clerking in the 7th district during her time as a judge and it was one of the best experiences of my legal career. She was smart, kind and I was always excited when I got a Judge Alpers assignment. I have looked to her example for years and I'm very sorry for your loss. Laura Martino"
In loving memory of
Bobbi Alpers
September 10, 1951 - December 24, 2020
Bobbi Alpers, a jurist who became the first female Chief Judge of a Judicial District in Iowa state history died Thursday, December 24, 2020 of complications of early-onset Alzheimer's at her home in rural Jackson County.
A gathering of family and friends celebrating Bobbi's life will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 P.M. on Friday, September 10, 2021 in "The Bistro" at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa. Casual Attire. And please, no memorial gifts. Those unvaccinated against Covid-19 must wear a mask.
Bobbi was born September 10, 1951 in Vinton, Iowa to Harold & Dorothy Alpers. Even as a child she exhibited a nurturing nature and extraordinary leadership skills, playing the role of schoolteacher to a classroom of two, her younger sister and brother.
Bobbi became expert at adapting to a continually shifting landscape, as her father transferred often for his job. Consequently she attended schools in Vinton, Manchester, Fort Dodge, Cresco and, finally, Maquoketa where she graduated with the Class of 1969.
Four years later she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dubuque with a double major in English & French with a minor in history. In 2013 she was named an Alumna of Distinction at the university.
Bobbi taught middle school English in Forest City for a year before returning to school at the University of Iowa where she earned a Master's Degree in English. She was offered a position as a high school English teacher in the Pleasant Valley School District, where she stayed until 1980, when a new career beckoned.
In 1983 she graduated from the University of Iowa Law School, and was immediately offered a position as a judicial law clerk in the 7th Judicial District in Davenport, Iowa.
She worked as an Assistant County Attorney before opening her own practice. She was chosen to be a Judicial Magistrate in Scott County and in 1990 was chosen by the governor to be a District Court Judge. At the time she was the only female judge in the five-county 7th Judicial District.
In 2007 the Iowa Supreme Court chose her to be the Chief Judge of the District, the first female to become a Chief Judge of a district in the century-and-a-half of Iowa's legal system. She was a terrific, empathetic, compassionate judge and was unsurpassed as a kind, thoughtful human being. Clark Kauffman of the Iowa Capital Dispatch wrote: "No matter where I saw her - at the courthouse or elsewhere - Bobbi was always the most engaged, energetic and smartest person in the room."
Bobbi navigated her way through a "man's world" brilliantly and sweetly.
She married Kurt Ullrich in 1983.
She is survived by her husband, Kurt, her sister Peggy of Oak Lawn, IL, and brother Mikel of Wood Dale, IL. Additional survivors include a niece, Elizabeth, and nephews Nicholas and Nathan.
Tributes
"Kurt, Family, Friends, my condolences. I am an Iowa Law '83 classmate of Bobbi's. I just saw the notice in the recent Iowa Alumni magazine. It saddens me greatly that such a fine person as Bobbi passed away so young. At the same time, I know that you enjoyed every minute with her. I remember Bobbi as bright, friendly and easygoing during law school, which was an achievement by itself in that competitive environment. I practiced law in Davenport between 1984 and 1987 and would see Bobbi around Scott County Courthouse, as a law clerk, attorney and later, magistrate. I know she had an outstanding legal career, of which I am proud, and I am sure you all are as well. Best wishes and Blessings to all. Thomas Roth"
"Kurt ,,Peggy,, Mike you have my condolences,,,, Bobbi was just a great lady,,,Kurt when i saw the two of you out and about in Maquoketa i could tell you were doing just a superb job in caring for her and keeping her going as long as possible "
"Kurt, my heart breaks for you. You and Bobbi were such a very special couple. Sending love to you and my deepest sympathies. ????????"
"I am very sorry to learn of Judge Alpers? passing. She was smart, fair, and genuinely interested in those who came before her, whether litigant or counsel. Her bearing, composure and sense of service to justice could and should be followed as an example to all. John Stonebraker"
"Hi Bobbi! You made our Class of ?69 Proud! Always loved running into you and Kurt around town....will miss you! Kurt, I so admire your undying Devotion to Bobbi and demonstrating ?Caregiver ? in true sense, so you could be together ????Lots of family memories from you both! Chuck...."
"Kurt..we knew that Bobbi was not well..we are so very sorry to hear of her passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts ...this is so touch, losing a loved one. Your creativity will help pull you through this rough time..keep at it. Jim and Susan Lenz, Chicago"
"Kurt you have my sincere sympathies. She was always a leader among our class. You two were a match made in heaven. "
"Kurt, please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Fred and Cindy Nissen Hoffman"
"Kurt, Peggy, Mikel and Families, We are so sorry to hear the news about Bobbi.. Growing up together in our special neighborhood and community provided many happy memories of Bobbi, Kurt and the Ulrich and Alpers families. The Browns are surrounding all of you with our loving thoughts as we remember an amazing woman!"
"Kurt My deepest sympathies to you and all of Bobbi's families. She was an outstanding lawyer and Judge, but even more so an outstanding teacher that carried that concern and caring to her years in law. Reading comments from former students tells you all you need to know about how she touched lives everyday. Heaven needed an another angle and they received a wonderful one when Bobbi joined them. "
"Kurt, my deepest sympathy. Bobbi probably had a great view of the Christmas Star and is smiling and shining down on you and all of us. May YOU find some hopeful signs of light and comfort amid the darkness. Take care. Brenda Goepfert Moore "
"Kurt, I was sorry to hear about Bobbi. Mom kept us up to date on her health and illness. We know what it is like to lose a parent, but I can't imagine losing a spouse. We will keep you in out thoughts and prayers. Say hello to Ross and Mark for me / us. Steve Upmeyer "
"Bobbi was a great jurist and a fine person. Her judicial manner put everyone at ease. I always looked forward to appearing in her courtroom. may her memory give comfort to her family and friends. "
"I am so sorry about Bobbi,.Kurt,Pag ,Mike and families,yourall in my thoughts and prayers.I will always remember,whe n we were at iow at Iowa in the 70s,she felt that Sandy Boyd,should send a condolence,to the Elkins and River fa,ilies,for their losses, since they were fromthe same town.My thoughts and prayers are wit h you all.peac el love rob"
"Kurt, I was privileged to work with Bobbi when she taught at Pleasant Valley High School. She was an outstanding teacher and role and model for her students and was truly a very special person."
"I am sorry to hear of the loss of Bobbi. She was my English teacher art PVHS. She was very young then!! She was caring and a great teacher."
"My sincere sympathy to all of you."
"Sincere sympathy on the passing of Bobbi. I knew her and was a friend when the family lived in Manchester. We reconnected at the University of Dubuque. I was able to exchange messages with her at the time of the West Delaware class reunions, finding out updates in her life. I am so saddened for this vibrant soul to be taken from us too soon."
"Kurt I was saddened to read of Bobbi's passing. May you find comfort in the memories of your time together. Tammy Speidel"
"WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. Steve and Karen Spaete "
"Kurt, I'm very sorry to read of Bobbi's death. Way too soon. As you may know, she was a student intern in the Johnson County Attorney's Office. It was obvious that she had a very promising legal career ahead of her--and she certainly fulfilled that. I'm vert sorry for your loss. Pat"
"I am deeply saddened at the Bobbi's passing. She was so lucky to have you Kurt as her loving companion and caregiver. I always envied how intelligent she was in school. Such as a loss. My thoughts are with you Kurt."
"Kurt and Peggy and Mike. Please accept our sympathies on the loss of my dear friend Bobbi. She was bright, inquisitive and well spoken the whole time I knew her till Damned Alzheimer?s captured her brain. I was so proud when she was named first female justice in the Judicial District in Iowa. We talked about that several times. Kurt, thank you for the amazing love and respectful care you always gave to your wife. I have the utmost respect and sincere sympathy for what you have lost. Please let me know when I can bring something to you from the MCHS Class of 1969. "
"I graduated from high school with Bobbi. She was always cheerful and kind. Prayers and condolence to the family. Their lost is heavens gain."
"Kurt and Peggy and Mike. Please accept our sympathies on the loss of my dear friend Bobbi. She was bright, inquisitive and well spoken the whole time I knew her till Damned Alzheimer?s captured her brain. I was so proud when she was named first female justice in the Judicial District in Iowa. We talked about that several times. Kurt, thank you for the amazing love and respectful care you always gave to your wife. I have the utmost respect and sincere sympathy for what you have lost. Please let me know when I can bring something to you from the MCHS Class of 1969. "
"Kurt, our sincere condolences. You were a faithful and loving companion to Bobbi. Remember the better times and know you made the last years as good for her as you could. Dave Upmeyer "
"Kurt, I am so sorry to hear of Bobbi's passing. She was a wonderful human being which made her a wonderful judge as well. Her contributions to this world will not be forgotten. God bless you in this very difficult time. Wendy Scott"
"We were sad to hear of Bobbi?s passing. She had a lifetime of accomplishments and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to Curt, Peggy and Mike. "
"My condolences to the family of Judge Alpers. I worked with her honor in Clinton County. I found her to be the most down to earth, approachable person, and a wonderful judge to work with. Debora Taplin, Clinton Co., Clerk's Office"
"Sending my deepest sympathy to Kurt, family and friends. She was one of my favorite Friday night customers at Fareway. Jordyn St John"
"Peggy, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I was lucky enough to work with Judge Alpers at the Scott County Courthouse and was also able to call her a friend as we were both from the Maquoketa area. She was always kind, cheerful and had the most beautiful smile. Prayers for Judge's family.....Carolyn Martin Moore, Scott County Clerks Office 1983-1992"
"So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. R.I.P. ?????"
"Bobbi had a career to be proud of always maintaining her moral compass and was lucky to be married to the love of her life. Such a cheerful soul. Thinking of your family..."