Robert Charles Kucera, 23 May 1923 - 24 Aug 2015

KUCERA, KRAFKA, ZEMAN, DUNYON, PERKINS, MASS, AKERS

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 10/29/2015 at 16:21:04

Robert Kucera
Marion

Robert Charles Kucera quietly passed away at his home on Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, after a battle with cardiovascular disease at the age of 92. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Family will greet friends from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Inurnment at a later date.

Robert was born to Charles and Emma (Krafka) Kucera of Belle Plaine, Iowa, on May 23, 1923. He graduated from Parnell High School. Robert served in World War II as a switchboard operator and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning home, he attended Iowa State College, graduating with an electrical engineering degree. He started his career at Iowa Manufacturing Co. and worked on the Apollo program in Alabama, helping put a man on the moon. He ended his career with General Mills where he worked for 27 years, retiring at the age of 79. He married Irma M. Zeman of Tama, Iowa, on Aug. 25, 1952.

He is survived by his wife; and children, Roxanne (Roger) Dunyon of Anamosa, Lorna (Tom) Perkins of Tama, William (Brenda Jo) Kucera of Kansas City, Kan., Natalie (Al) Mass of High Amana, Brenda (Phil) Akers of Holt, Mo., and L. Louis Kucera of Marion; also eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and his three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one infant daughter, Jacqueline Anne.

Bob wrestled at Iowa State and was never pinned. In later years, he wrestled with high school kids. He retired from wrestling at the age of 52, under duress from his wife. Recently, Robert was able to go on the World War II Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with his son, Bill.

He enjoyed music, Lawrence Welk, live theater, the arts and gardening. Bob won awards for not missing work! He played softball and golf, quitting after he got his hole-in-one! Bob loved his 34-acre farm and tinkered on engines. As an avid reader, Robert was a continual inventor, patenting a bicycle and working for his employers with innovations. He was an excellent artist with a quirky humor. Bob was a positive man, who gave you a smile and a killer handshake every time you met him, which we will miss.

The family especially expresses their gratitude to Sally Meyer, Mercy Hospice and Home Choice for their help with Bob's comfort and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Metro Catholic Outreach or Mercy Hospice.

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

The Gazette,Posted on Wednesday, 26 August 2015,10a