Dr. Robert E. AuFrance
FOREST CITY, IA:
Dr. Robert E. AuFrance, 57, of Forest City, Iowa, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, October 9, 2026. He was born December 2, 1968 to Larry and Vicki (Fulmer) AuFrance. Dr. AuFrance, known as Bob to all, was a writer, scholar, director, mentor, collector, musician, son, brother, and friend. Though Bob never had any children of his own, he had many “kids” over the course of his long career teaching at the college level.
Bob’s passion was his students – giving a chance to those that otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Dr. AuFrance was in his 25th year at Waldorf University as the Dean of Fine Arts, Department Chair, Professor of Theatre, and Playwright-in-Residence. He was currently directing and teaching the acting, directing, playwriting, theatre histories, theatre education pedagogy and film studies tracks for the Theatre Department. He was heading the Artistic Expression program. Bob also served as Waldorf University’s playwright, having had ten of his plays produced at Waldorf.
Additionally, his works have been presented on three continents. Dr. AuFrance hosted playwriting workshops with middle and high school students across the Midwest and had won several writing awards (including being a two time KCACTF, and Region V winner of the Mark David Cohen National Playwriting Award). Bob created the Musical Theatre Major; co-created the “24 Hour Theatre Festival” and the college’s traveling theatre troupe; established the annual “Haunted House Food Drive”, was the originator of the “Loose Change” program, and was the founder and advisor for Waldorf’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (the honorary theatre fraternity). Dr. AuFrance was honored by his students for his service to the department when they named the black box theatre “The B.O.B.” in 2011. In that same year, he was recognized by Waldorf College by being presented the Outstanding Faculty Trustee’s Award.
Previously, he had worked at Albion College, Albion, MI; University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; and Kent State University, Kent, OH. It was at the University of Missouri where Dr. AuFrance completed his Ph.D. in playwrighting and theatre history in 2004. In 2016, Dr. AuFrance was inducted into Paulding Exempted Village Schools Academic Hall of Fame.
Bob read his Bible from cover to cover, faithfully. Once he finished, he would restart. He even traveled with it. Though his time on Earth was short, he knew his eternal destination was forever. His family will take comfort in knowing that they will see him again.
Surviving is his mother, Vicki; sister, Tami; step-father, Charlie Mewhorter; and a special aunt, LaDonna Carpenter; all of Oakwood. Other survivors include uncles, Tom (Linda) Fulmer, New Bavaria, OH, and Nickie (Linda) Fulmer, Indiana, many cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death were his father; brother, Andy; uncle, Bill Carpenter; uncle and aunt James and Marie Fulmer; paternal grandparents, Louis and Dorothy AuFrance; and maternal grandparents Charles (Ray) and Alice Fulmer.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH, with Pastor Jim Hall officiating with one hour visitation prior to services. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jackson Township, Paulding, OH. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association or Waldorf University Theatre Department, Forest City, IA.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
