Robertson, John Merritt

John Merritt Robertson, 86, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Aug. 18, 2012 at the West Ridge Care Center. Memorial services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012 at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel. Memorial visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, also at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Surviving are his children, Ria Jo Ghorbati and husband Mohsen of Brooklyn Park, Minn., Leanne Gross and husband Steve of Forest Knolls, Calif., and Merritt Robertson and wife Elizabeth of Central City; grandchildren, John, Araizu and Kaveh Ghorbati, all of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; his brother, Clarence Robertson and wife Claudia of Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law, Rai Ann Kramer and husband Gary of Fairfax; as well as nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife Betty Lou, who passed on March 20, 2012.

John was born on June 7, 1926 in Hartford, Mich., the son of Merritt E. and Mildred (Minshall) Robertson. He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Iowa. He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Martin on May 6, 1951 in Cedar Rapids. He began working at The Cedar Rapids Gazette as a reporter. With over 41 years at The Gazette he worked his way to and retired as the Executive Editor in 1991. He was a member of the Iowa Newspaper Association and founded the Iowa Farmer Today publication. He was named 1991 Master Editor Publisher by the Iowa Newspaper Association. Through his several years in his journalism career, John met many people, including many governors and presidents George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter.

John was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, enjoyed playing golf at Elmcrest Country Club, and enjoyed bowling and fishing. He was an active member of his neighborhood card club that was established in 1954. He also was a member of the Toastmasters Club, and was an avid reader. John enjoyed traveling and he and Betty took many trips, including to Ireland, the Cayman Islands and a two-week trip to Wyoming in the MG with the top down the entire trip. He also traveled extensively with his family for many summers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's honor may be directed to the family or to a charity of the donor's choosing.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to John's family on our webpage, under Obituaries.

Published Aug. 20, 2012 in The Gazette