Kerr, James Robert "Bob" 1923 - 2007

KERR, KEECH, JONES

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/28/2010 at 16:34:27

Bob Kerr

Date of Death
Tuesday, March 06, 2007

WWII Veteran

Bob Kerr, 83, of Akron, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron, Iowa with Reverend Laurice Streyffeler officiating. The Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron, Iowa will conduct military rites. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. The Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

James Robert Kerr, Jr. was born March 22, 1923 in Akron, Iowa, the son of James Robert, Sr. and Birdice Marie (Keech) Kerr. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Wesley United Methodist Church. He attended school in Akron and graduated from Akron High School in 1941. He enlisted in the United State Army Air Corp in 1941. He served his country in during WWII where he was stationed at Mildenhall Air Base in England for 3 years. While stationed there, he met his future wife, Peggy. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After returning, he went into the business with his father and Kerr Motor Company in Akron, Iowa. In December of 1947, Bob and Peggy had saved enough money and completed the required papers for Peggy to move to the states. On January 14, 1948, Bob was united in marriage to Margaret “Peggy” Jones at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Bob and Peggy continued to make their home in Akron. Bob continued to own and operate the dealership where he sold Oldsmobile and Minneapolis-Moline tractors; he loved to work on all the cars and tractors that he sold. In the late 70’s, he sold the business to Dick Dirks. He continued to work for Dirk’s Motor as a mechanic until retiring in the mid 80’s. After retiring, he and Peggy enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. Peggy passed away December 23, 2000.

Bob was very devoted to his church, he was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron where he held various offices and served as an usher for many years. He was an over 50-year member of the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron, Iowa and a past member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed bowling. He had a knack for fixing and repairing anything. Bob loved working on cars and tractors, but most of all; he loved his family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his daughter, Vicki Henrich and her husband Reed of Brunsville, Iowa; 6 grandchildren: Rob Von Hagel and his wife Angela of Brunsville, Iowa, Heather Johnson and her husband Gordy of Akron, Iowa, Jayson Kerr-Dobney of Vermillion, South Dakota, Suzanne Herbold and her husband Scott of Lawton, Iowa, Nathan Dobney and Jennifer Dobney of Vermillion, South Dakota; 9 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law: Bev Dobney and her husband Dan of Vermillion, South Dakota; 2 brothers: Marvin Kerr of Iowa City, Iowa, and Roger Kerr of Santa Anna, California; a brother-in-law: Brian Meggs of Woodland, Texas; a sister-in-law: Lois Lee of Iowa City, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son: Johnston Robert Kerr; and two sisters: Phyllis Huddleston and Marianne Anderson.

Source: Carlsen Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa