Kacere, George Charles

George Charles Kacere, 96, of West Des Moines, died Sunday, March 6, 2011, in Des Moines. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 10, with the Trisagion and funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids, with Father Fred Shaheen presiding. Burial: St. George Cemetery. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

George was born on Jan. 11, 1915, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Charles and Lillian Alberts Kacere. He married Mary Jean Kacere on August 17, 1947, in Cedar Rapids. He spent his life in Cedar Rapids, having attended Hayes Elementary, Wilson Junior High and graduated from Grant High School. He loved his academic years. He served four years in the United States Army during World War II. Following the service, he joined his family's business, Kacere Food Markets in Cedar Rapids, and later was district manager for 7-11 Stores in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

He always had a great love for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs. He was also a lifelong member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cedar Rapids.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jean; his son, Mark (Mary) of Clive; his daughter, Lynne Hoyt of West Des Moines; his grandchildren, Jonathan Hoyt, Laura Kacere and Jill Kacere; his sister, Maxine Nemer of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Abe, Robert and John Kacere; and his sisters, Delia Laham, Fannie Haddy and Helen Wehby.

Memorials may be directed to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church and/or Iowa Health Hospice.

Military honors to be conducted by the American Legion.