Sgt. Bert McNitt

SGT. BERT RAY MCNITT

Vinton

Sgt. Bert Ray McNitt, 89, of rural Brandon, went joyously to his new eternal life on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Graveside services: 2 p.m. Thursday, March 10, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, with full military honors. Arrangements by Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his daughters, Ruth McNitt of rural Brandon and Donna Jewell of Phoenix, Ariz.; three granddaughters; seven great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, William McNitt; two brothers, Orson "Reeve" and James McNitt; and sister, Sarah Eike.

Bert was born March 4, 1927, the son of Albert "Bert" and Myra (Reeve) McNitt, in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from Earlville High School and Hamilton Business College. Bert served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict at Fort Riley, Kan., and in the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. He returned to start his 31-year career with Rockwell Collins, married and built his family a home in the country. After retiring, he was active in many volunteer positions and drove for the Lutheran Home and Virginia Gay Hospital.

Bert loved gardening, volunteering, helping everyone with their projects, helping at his daughter's alpaca farm and traveling. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8884 and American Legion Post 57. Bert was a former Mason and Shriner.

Bert's biggest joy in life was helping others and he will continue to do so in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight (eihonorflight.org) would be appreciated in memory of Bert.

Please share a memory of Bert at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.