Robert Mercer

Celebration of Life Mass: Wednesday, June 8, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Riverside,  51 St. Mary's St.  52327

Visitation: Tuesday, June 7, 5-7 Peterseim Funeral Home and Wednesday at church 9:00 until service

Memorials: Hospice of Washington County or Kalona Public Library

A Celebration of Life Mass for Robert "Bob" J. Mercer, 90, of Kalona will be held Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:00AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Riverside with Father Rich Adam officiating. Burial will follow at noon at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 5-7PM at the Peterseim Funeral Home.  Bob Mercer died Saturday, June 4, 2011 in Kalona following a extended illness.  A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Washington County and the Kalona Public Library.

Robert Joseph Mercer was born January 18, 1921 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of Clarence and Nellie (Dunn) Mercer.  He graduated from Springville High School. Bob joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during World War from 1942 a�" 1946.  He was united in marriage to Opal Miner on July 1, 1947 in Clarence, Missouri.  Bob was employed as an inspector at the Iowa Manufacturing Company from 1948 a�" 1983.  He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Riverside, AFCIO, Harmony Lodge #831, and the Marion American Legion.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and reading.  He was an avid gardener and Hawkeye fan.

Survivors include his wife Opal of Kalona, one son Roger and wife Tana Mercer of Salem, MO, one daughter, Phyllis and husband Mark Casper of Kalona, five grandchildren, Paul Mercer, Adam, Lucas and Micah Casper, and Jennifer Mercer, three great grandchildren, Brandon Chance Mercer, Nicole Kaitlyn Mercer and Gruffydd Rhys Casper, and one sister, Mary Jo Smith of Marion, Iowa.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and three brothers, Richard, James and Joseph Mercer.

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