Robert Etzel

ROBERT ETZEL

Marion

Robert Etzel, 86, of Marion, passed away suddenly on June 1, 2016, at St. Luke's Hospital. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 6, at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom in Cedar Rapids. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 7, at Gospel Light Baptist Church. Burial will immediately follow and military rites will be accorded.

Robert was born June 24, 1929, the son of Clifford and Edith (Clymer) Etzel. Bob graduated from Marion High School. He was inducted into the Navy and passed up an appointment to Annapolis Military Naval Academy, choosing to return to the family farm.

He became an owner in a bowling business where he met the love of his life, Beverly Briles, and was wed on July 3, 1959. He owned Jubilee Lanes for 40 years. He was a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church.

In his early days he enjoyed driving in stock car races around the state of Iowa. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada, bowling, working on tractors, crosswords, beekeeping, gardening, collecting mason jars, auctions, tractorcades and spending time with good friends. Bob was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Bowling Hall of Fame.

Left to cherish Robert's memory are his wife of 56 years, Beverly; children, Gary Etzel of Marion, Steve (Teresa) Etzel of Marion, Kim (John Maldonado) Etzel of Marion, Janine (Dave) Wagner of Branson, Mo., and Maureen (Brian) Denny of Sun Prairie, Wis.; and grandchildren, Robert, Amy, Gabe, Courtney, Grace, Addison and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Waddell; and infant brother, Vernon.

Bob is remembered for being a person who never complained with all his health struggles.

He will be missed for his kind, honest, gentle personality, and treating everyone with respect.

A memorial fund has been established.

Bob would say, "Have a Nice Day."

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.