Rowland Zerba Jr.

ROWLAND ZERBA JR.

Cedar Rapids

Rowland C. "Junior" Zerba Jr., 69, of Cedar Rapids, died unexpectedly early Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at his home. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, 1228 Second St. SE, by the Rev. William Harnish. Burial: Dunkard Cemetery, Midway. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Moomey-Vogel Post 727.

Rowland is survived by three children, Robert (Dawn) Zerba, Marion, Peyton (Bryan) Davis, Greer, S.C., and Sandra (Jason Thomas) Zerba-White, Nevada, Iowa; two stepchildren, Penny (Rich) Freeman, Cedar Rapids, and Brian Victorine, Iowa City; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and two more due later this year; sister, Wilma Davenport, Cedar Rapids; and best friend, Robert Davenport, Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; parents, Rowland "Bud" and Betty (Kirk) Zerba; and a grandson, Robert Jr.

Rowland was born July 28, 1945, in Robins, and was a lifelong resident of the Toddville, Hiawatha and Cedar Rapids areas. He married Diana K. Cross on Sept. 3, 1965, in Galena, Ill. They were divorced in 1972. Rowland later married Karen (Enos) Victorine on June 2, 1979, in Toddville. She died Oct. 25, 2004.

Rowland was employed as a welder at FMC Link-Belt Speeder, Harnischfeger Corp. and Barnard & Leas Manufacturing Co., Inc. until his retirement. He was also involved in the family hauling and moving business for the past 25 years.

Rowland was a Navy veteran. He attended New Covenant Bible Church. Junior enjoyed watching television and hanging out with his best friend, Bob Davenport.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries."