Robert E. Waterhouse
Robert Embert Waterhouse, 85, formerly of Marion, and most recently of Guttenberg, died on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024.
Visitation was Monday, June 3, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg.
Funeral services were Tuesday, June 4, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg.
Private interment was Wednesday, June 5, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.
Robert was affectionately known as Bob to his friends, Dad to his children, Pop to his 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and Uncle Bob to his many nephews and nieces.
Bob was born in Cedar Rapids, on May 21, 1939, to Floyd and Annabella (Ferguson) Waterhouse, however, as a young boy he grew up with his Uncle Herman and Aunt Mary Fett on a farm near La Porte City. Upon completion of high school, he graduated from the University of Iowa and soon thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as an officer, achieving the rank of lieutenant. While stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, he met Mary Alice Magill and they were married on Sept. 21, 1963. During a routine mission on board the USS Turner Joy in October 1965 while providing call-fire for American and South Vietnamese forces, a five-inch round misfired and during the ensuing efforts to clear the chamber, the shell detonated. Three sailors were killed, three more were wounded with one of wounded being Bob that resulted in an honorable, medical discharge from the Navy.
After leaving the Navy, the couple settled in Marion, where they raised four children, Robert (wife Mary Cathleen) of Spirit Lake, Mary Ann Neton (husband Jason) of New Glarus, Wis., John of Houston, Texas and David of Cedar Rapids. Following the death of his wife of 36 years, Mary, he married Darlene Maassen in 2002.
Childhood friends, Bob and Darlene spent their retirement years together at their homes in Marion, and Guttenberg, enjoying time with old friends, new friends, and their families.
He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his children, Robert, Mary Ann, John and David; his grandchildren, Jack, Caroline, Mary Joan, Catie, Elizabeth, Madeline, Henry, Andrew, Alice and Robert; his stepchildren, Jody (husband Wayne), Rick; Rhonda (husband Fred); Marc (wife Marilyn), Scott (wife Jeannine) and David; his step-grandchildren, Jennifer (husband Michael), Matthew (wife Katrina), Michelle (husband Steve), Brittan (husband Ben) and Mitchell; and his step-great-grandchildren, Londyn, Mackenzie, Beckett and Quinn.
A devout Catholic, Bob will be remembered for his commitment to his faith.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; uncle, Herman and aunt, Mary Fett; his wife, Mary; his stepson, Brett and his step-grandson, Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project and TAPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.
Information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
