Robert W. "Bob" Zuerlein

Robert W. “Bob” “Zip” Zuerlein, 88, of Kearney, died Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Kearney Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Thursday, April 19, 2018 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. Fr. Joseph Hannappel will officiate. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Kearney Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:30-8:00 pm at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cedar Rapids High School (Riverside) Scholarship Fund or the Peterson Senior Center Beverage Bar. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Robert William Zuerlein was born on December 11, 1929 in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska to Victor and Ruth (Williams) Zuerlein. He grew up and received his education in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Cedar Rapids High School in 1948. Following highs school, he worked for his father doing masonry work. Bob entered the United States Navy on November 3, 1950 and was a machine gunner on a minesweeper for three years during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on September 1, 1954. He was united in marriage to LuAnn Clother in November 1960 in Albion, Nebraska. The couple made their home in Norfolk, Cedar Rapids, Axtell and Minden while he continued to work in masonry. Bob and LuAnn divorced in 1976 and Bob moved to Kearney in 1978. Bob was united in marriage to Ellen Ellingston in May of 1979. They made their home in Kearney where he continued working as a mason until retiring in 1992. Ellen preceded him in death in 1993.On October 1, 2011 Bob was united in marriage to Peggy Bindel in Kearney. Bob was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Eagle’s Club, the Kearney Bowling Association for several years and the Bricklayers Union #11 for 62 years. He enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. He was inducted to the Kearney Bowling Association Hall of Fame on March 23, 1996. Bob also loved playing cards at the Peterson Senior Center. He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Kearney; two sons, Kirby Zuerlein and fiancé Linda Carroll of Red Cloud, NE and Kevin Zuerlein and special friend Sherry Hourihan of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren; five stepchildren; 15 step grandchildren; 12 step great grandchildren; a sister, Gerry Scanlon of Marian, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, LuAnn and Ellen; an infant son, Kurtis; a daughter, Kelly Zuerlein; a brother, Gilbert Zuerlein; and two sisters, Margaret Swerczek and Betty Wilhelm.

Robert W. "Bob" Zuerlein

December 11, 1929 - April 15, 2018