Robert E. Waterhouse

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Robert Embert Waterhouse, 85, formerly of Marion, Iowa, and most recently of Guttenberg, Iowa, died on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024.

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.

A wake will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg on June 3rd, 2024, with a rosary service starting at 3:30 p.m. A funeral Mass of Christian burial will be on June 4th, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg with visitation starting at 10 a.m. A private interment at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa will be held on June 5th, 2024.

Bob was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on May 21st, 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, Iowa. 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 September 21st, 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, medial discharge from the Navy.

After leaving the Navy, the couple settled in Marion, Iowa, where they raised four children Robert (wife Mary Cathleen) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Mary Ann Neton (husband Jason) of New Glarus, Wisconsin, John of Houston, Texas and David of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 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, Iowa, and Guttenberg, Iowa, 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 Floyd and Annabella Waterhouse; 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.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.