Memorial
Robert P. Zirbel, 92, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on December 1, 2016 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-eight years, Joan; his daughter Ann (Fritz) Paulson of Marion; his grandson, Tanner Paulson of Cedar Rapids; and his brother Larry (Ann Carson) Zirbel of Cedar Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry F. and Gladys M. Zirbel, and two brothers, Richard L. and Ronald C. Zirbel.
Bob was born August 19, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa. He married Mary Joan Bean on August 20, 1948 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.
Bob graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1942 and attended Drake University on a basketball scholarship before entering the service during World War II. He was an aerial film processing specialist with the 17th Photographic Squadron stationed in the South Pacific. After discharge, he returned to Drake and graduated with a B.A. in Business.
After graduation, Bob began his advertising career as an account executive at the Des Moines Register and Tribune. In 1954, Bob joined The W.D. Lyon Co. Advertising Agency. When ownership changed, he became a partner of CMF&Z Inc. until he retired in 1986.
After retirement Bob and Joan traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. During his retirement years in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Bob enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and fishing. He was also an avid oil painter.
Bob had a rewarding life, enjoying his family and friends and the work he loved.
The family would like to thank the Mercy Hospice team and the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha for their love, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.