Robert M Surface

Robert "Bob" M. Surface, 78, of Cedar Falls, died Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Western Home Communities Elizabeth Martin Health Center.  He was born March 27, 1932 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Everett and Ethel (Repp) Surface.  Bob married Mary "Darlene" Wherry on December 27, 1953 at First Lutheran Church in Waterloo.  He graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1949 and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953.  Bob was Vice President of Sales with Powers Manufacturing Company, and later implemented the College Book Store Division with Dodger Manufacturing Company, Eldora, Iowa.  In 1950, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Cleveland Indians.  Bob was an active member of Nazareth Lutheran Church, County Easter Seal Board, Waterloo Lions Club, and Elks Club 290, where he was past Exalted Ruler.  He enjoyed sports, both as a participant and a spectator. Bob's family was very important to him and he loved them dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Surface, of Cedar Falls; two daughters, Sally Ann (Jim) O'Donnell of Rock Island, Illinois and Sara Jane (Frank) Minnis of Des Moines, Iowa; three grandchildren, Tyler, Aaron and Whitney; three great grandchildren, Ava, Andrew and Jae; his mother, Ethel Surface, of Cedar Falls, and a sister, Betty Knudsen, of Cedar Falls.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, a brother, Byron Surface, and a grandson, Peter Carmack.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2011, at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, with inurnment at Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery.  Military Honors will be conducted by Cedar Falls AMVETS Post 49.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Nazareth Lutheran Church, Western Home Communities or Christian Crusaders.  Online condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.