Kern, Robert J. 'Bear'

Robert J. “Bear” Kern, 73, of Iowa City, went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at Mercy Iowa City. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Church, Richmond. A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent through the web at

Robert was born Nov. 28, 1936, to Virginia Kern. He was raised and adopted by his grandparents, Joseph and Celeste Kern, on their farm near Richmond. In 1955, he graduated from Kalona High School and began work for various area farmers. Robert also worked for several years at the Iowa City Animal Shelter. One of his lifelong passions was crappie fishing.

Robert's family includes his brothers, William (Deborah) Heitzman of Iowa City, and Richard (Becky) Heitzman of Hills; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He will be missed dearly by his fiancee, Feleena Hopewell; and best friend, Larry Strabala; as well his “little friends,” William, Danielle and Cheyenne.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Heitzman; and sister, Marge Hamilton.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City, is caring for Robert's family and his services.