Naber, John O.

John O. Naber, 84, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Herbert Isenberg to officiate. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private burial will take place before the funeral services at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen; two sons, Steve (Eileen) of Laguna Niguel, Calif., and Craig of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Barbara Rich of Dallas; two grandchildren, Leslie and Jeffery of Laguna Niguel; a sister, Grace Leverenz; a brother, William W. (Dawn); as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Mearl and Wendell; and brother-in-law, Jack Leverenz.

John was born Dec. 8, 1925, in Tipton to William and Clara Maude (Melson) Naber. He married Eileen Dircks on June 8, 1950, at St. John's Church in Clarence. Upon graduation from Tipton High School he spent a year at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wis. He served his country during WWII in the United States Army 24th Infantry Division band. After his discharge he enrolled in the Engineering School at the University of Iowa. After receiving his Civil Engineering degree he served as the assistant County Engineer for Cedar County for three years. In 1953, John changed careers and entered the insurance business. He was employed by AmerUs Life for over 50 years. He was past president of Life Underwriters, CLU, General Agents & Managers, and Estate Planning Council. John was a member of Downtown Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow, Elks Club, VFW Post 788, and long time member of Cedar Rapids Country Club. The church was always a big part of his life, and he served on many boards and committees and was a choir member for many years.

John loved his family and was proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed traveling, bridge, golf and he was an avid Hawkeye fan. His love, zest for life, fun loving nature and humor will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Hospice of Mercy or to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Matthew Anderson, Rebecca, Niki, Joe Kane and all the other Hospice workers who shared their love and compassion to make this journey possible.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to the Naber family on our webpage, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.