Fulmer, Everett B.

Everett B. Fulmer, 84, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, July 20, 2012, at Cottage Grove Place surrounded by his family. A mass celebrating his life will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 24, at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Rev. David Beckman and the Rev. Mark Osterhaus will officiate. Inurnment will be at St. John Cemetery. A vigil service will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m.

Survivors include his children, Peggy Bohr of Cedar Rapids, Rebecca (Vic) Everson of Minnetonka, Minn., Tamra Koehler of Wayzata, Minn., Cindy (Kevin) Hormann of Cedar Rapids, Melia Lott of Minnetonka, Minn., and Jeff Fulmer (Monica Starnes) of Alexandria, Va. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; Marilyn Philipp, his special companion of four years; and one sister, Sarah Paukert of Walnut Creek, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Lottie and Frank; and four brothers: Paul, Raymond, Bernard, and Earl.

Everett was born June 17, 1928, near Walker, Iowa. He married Ruth Philipp on Feb. 11, 1950. His most rewarding experience was courting Ruth, the love of his life. Everett would often say about his marriage, “Sometimes when you least expect it, miracles happen.” Although he felt that words could never explain his love for Ruth, he often remarked, “50 years would be a milestone, but 100 years would not be enough.”

Everett's life was centered on family, faith, and love. He made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was loved, admired, and respected by many. His generous spirit, especially for the less fortunate, was a true testament to his character. He often said that the love of his family and friends made him one of the richest men in the world. One of Everett's fondest wishes would be to communicate with the animals. He always fed the birds, the squirrels, and the rabbits, believing that every living thing deserved to be cared for and loved. In his garden even the smallest little tomato plant deserved a chance to grow.

Everett served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After returning home, he worked as a master electrician in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before retiring in 1989. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, VFW and St. Matthew's Catholic Church.

Everett always maintained a positive attitude, evidenced by his sense of humor up to the very end of his life. His children are all so proud of how their father lived. He supported them in everything they did: “Never stop believing in yourself, because I believe you can do anything you set your mind on, so reach for the stars.”

Memorials may be directed to either the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter or the Madge Phillips Center.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Updated; Published July 23, 2012 in The Gazette