Robert Burkhart

ROBERT "BOB" W. BURKHART

Cedar Rapids

Robert "Bob" W. Burkhart, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Marion, passed away peacefully after a long illness at his home on Oct. 25, 2016, with his wife and family at his bedside. Funeral services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home. Service will be conducted by his grandson, the Rev. Philip Burkhart. Burial: Dunkard Cemetery, Toddville, with military rites.

Bob was born the eldest son of Anna Marie (Fry) and Sterl O. Burkhart on April 11, 1930, on a farm east of Martelle, Iowa. His younger years were spent in rural Linn County. He graduated with the class of 1949 from Springville High. Bob was drafted to serve in the Korean War. He took basic and OCS training at Fort Hood, Texas, and on Feb. 13, 1952, he left for Korea. He served for a year on the front lines in Korea, was promoted to sergeant and received the Bronze Star. After Bob's discharge in April 1953, he spent over 41 years with Rockwell Collins, including 13 years as manager at the Anamosa branch, retiring in 1995.

Bob served the Lord faithfully as a member of First Church of the Nazarene. He served on the church board and was finance secretary, but was primarily known as "Mr. Sound Man," as he served for over 50 years as the sound technician.

Bob was a respected and quiet man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Married to his high school sweetheart, the former Alberta Hendrickson, they were blessed with over 65 years of marriage. He loved his family, enjoyed maintaining the family home in Marion, yard work, gardening and being an all-around handyman. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Alberta; his children, Constance A. Richards of Hiawatha, Gary R. Burkhart of Cedar Rapids, Timothy L. (Mary) Burkhart of Omaha, Neb., Ricky H. (Marjean) Burkhart of Saucier, Miss., and David P. (Jim) Burkhart of Marion; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Dale Burkhart of Victor, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his grandson, Vance A.; great-grandson, baby Bryce; parents; one sister; and two brothers.

The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to UnityPoint Hospice-St. Luke's nurses and helpers Julie, Dana, Bobby Jo, Beth, Andrea, Amy and Hannah, and all of the hospice unit nurses on the sixth floor who have been such a blessing these last months when they were so needed. Words cannot express how much their help and caring have meant through this time.

Memorials may be directed to UnityPoint Hospice.

Please share a memory of Bob at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.