Schuster, Wilfred John

Wilfred John Schuster of Marion passed away Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, 26 days shy of his 85th birthday. Wilfred “Bob” was slowed in recent years by dementia; he was still able to live at home until two months ago. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Marion. The Rev. Rod Ellers will officiate. Burial, with military honors: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, and after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church.

Bob was born Oct. 12, 1924, to John and Mary Schuster. He grew up on a farm near New Vienna, Iowa, with five sisters and four brothers. Bob joined the Army in 1946 and served as a paratrooper. He was honorably discharged.

Bob was involved with Marion American Legion Post 298, Knights of Columbus and UAW. He loved woodworking, fishing, hunting, gardening, cars, and astronomy. He had the ability to fix or build anything and loved working on old clocks.

Bob retired from Link Belt (FMC) as a machinist after 34 years. He married Norma Helbig on Jan. 19, 1952. This year they celebrated their 57th anniversary.

Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Elmer, Leona Keonig, Florence Kiernan, Irene Evers, Arnold, Armella Kern, Raymond, and Germaine; and Sheila, his daughter-in-law (wife of Doug).

Bob leaves behind his wife, Norma; daughter, Debra (her husband Mike Hamm); son, Dennis (his partner Rita); son, Doug; and granddaughters, Sarah and Amy.

Military honors provided by Marion American Legion Post 298.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

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