Robert A'Hearn

ROBERT A'HEARN

Cedar Rapids

Robert J. A'Hearn, 79, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Scottsdale, Ariz., passed away Friday, July 18, 2014, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, by the Rev. Ivan Nienhaus. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 727. A vigil service will be 7 p.m. Monday at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit with the family Monday from 2 to 7 p.m. and at the church Tuesday after 9 a.m.

Bob was born July 24, 1934, in Waukon, Iowa, to Elizabeth and Francis "Hi" A'Hearn. He and his siblings grew up in Epworth, Iowa. He graduated from Epworth High School in 1952 and later enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. A proud veteran, his service to his country took the boy from Epworth to Camp Pendleton, Calif., and on to Yucca Flats, Nev., where he endured an atomic blast as a part of Operation Plumb Bob.

He married Janet Huber in 1957. They raised three sons in Cedar Rapids: Brian, Brad and Blair, until her death in April 1973.

Bob's career as a master plumber was just beginning, and the single father devoted his life to his children and his work. Bob started A'Hearn Plumbing and Heating in 1968, and served as president and CEO until his retirement in 1988. Bob and his company were known for being honest, hardworking and trustworthy, regardless of how small or large the project.

Bob and his family were church members of St. Matthew, St. Pius X and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic churches, and most recently, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Ariz.

He provided leadership as president of the Mechanical Contractors Association for multiple terms. He served on various boards in Cedar Rapids, including Discovery Living, Elmcrest Country Club and Cedar Rapids and Linn County Plumbing and Mechanical boards. He also was inducted into the Cedar Rapids Softball Hall of Fame.

Bob represented a generation of people who worked hard first, and played only after their hard work was done.

On Oct. 16, 1975, Bob married Ann Cink and together they raised their son, Barry. They split their time between Cedar Rapids and Scottsdale, Ariz., and enjoyed adventures of all kinds in their motorhome and travels throughout the world. Bob let his curiosity take him to experience some of the most wonderful places and people this lifetime can offer. He soaked up every second and made friends everywhere he went.

Bob was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and a lifelong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. There was rarely a family gathering where Bob did not instigate a card game. Even in his final days, Bob loved a good party. He won the "best singer award" from the kind nurses at the Hospice House during a family sing-a-long to some of his favorite tunes.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann, of 39 years; sons, Brian (Kathleen), Blair (Lyn), Brad (Kelli) and Barry (Amy). His grandchildren include Ben (Amy), Carolyn, Sarah, Keely Melchert (Adam), Brady, Alex, Joe, Libby Gilmore (Brian), Laura Freyman (Mike) and Leah. Bob also has four great-grandchildren. He is survived by all of his siblings, Patricia McDermott (Pat), Janet Hingtgen, Joanie Schmitt, Karen Jaeger (Tom) and Mike A'Hearn (Cindy); many nieces and nephews; and a huge circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet; his parents, Betty and Hi; in-laws, Mamie and Joe Huber and Gladys and Edward Cink; and brother-in law, Buck Hingtgen.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bob's name to his favorite charities would be appreciated. They are the Arc of East Central Iowa at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1425161 and Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

The A'Hearn family would especially like to thank the staff of Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, and the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha for providing endless care, compassion and kindness.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.teahenfuneral home.com.