Mercer, Robert 'Bob' J.

A Celebration of Life Mass for Robert “Bob” J. Mercer, 90, of Kalona, who died Saturday, June 4, 2011, following an extended illness, will be held Wednesday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Riverside, with Father Rich Adam officiating. Burial will follow at noon at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona.

He graduated from Springville High School. Bob joined the United States Navy and served in the Pacific during World War from 1942-1946. He was united in marriage to Opal Miner on July 1, 1947, in Clarence, Mo. Bob was employed as an inspector at Iowa Manufacturing Co. from 1948-1983.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Riverside, AFCIO, Harmony Lodge 831 and the Marion American Legion.

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; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Jo Smith of Marion.

A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Washington County and the Kalona Public Library.