Robert Russell VanDeer, 81, of Webster City, died peacefully with family at his bedside, Friday, February 24, 2012 at Crestview Senior Living. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City, with Reverends Mike Kroona and Tony Ede to officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date. Bob was born February 6, 1931 to Russell and Ruth Cornick VanDeer. He was raised and educated in Albert Lea, Minnesota where he graduated in 1949. On Sept 12, 1954 he married Joan Petersen at Grace Lutheran Church in Alden MN. Bob became a successful salesman while working with his parents in the grocery business in Albert Lea and Alden, MN. He later owned and operated VanDeer Grocery & Furniture in Alden. In 1967, he moved to Webster City to be manager of Gibson Discount Store. Following, he was in sales with the Nissen Co. and Woodard Co. While suffering heart disease for 31 years, he continued to have a sense of humor and positive attitude which allowed him to enjoy morning and afternoon coffee time with his friends. Bob loved to travel and plan trips for all family members. His favorites were Hawkeye football games, especially tailgating, and traveling to the cabin in Clear Lake where family and friends gathered. Suffering from two types of cancer the past three years, his belief in Christ guided him in making his final journey to eternal life. His greatest enjoyment were his children, grandchildren and great grandaughters. He kept very busy following their educational, athletic and musical events. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Joan; sons, Brian (Brenda) VanDeer of Webster City; Noel (Sonya) VanDeer of Adair; daughter, Shanna (Mike) Harald of Omaha, NE; 6 grandchidren, Brent (Lisa) VanDeer, Brad (Brittany) VanDeer, BreAnn VanDeer all of Webster City; Kelsey and Derrick VanDeer of Adair; Matthew Harald of Omaha; great granddaughters, Lydia, Megan, Briley and Bailey VanDeer all of Webster City; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Marvin Zeller of Alden MN; four nieces and nephews; and a step brother and step sister of Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and infant son Joel VanDeer. He was an active member at Grace Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in memory of Bob, to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Webster City; American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the VanDeer family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com

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