Obituary of Robert E. Hager

Robert E. Hager, 76, of Muscatine, died Saturday, August 13, 2005, at his home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at St. Mathias Church. The Revered John P. Gallagher will celebrate the mass. Honorary bearers will be Dan Schaapveld, Cory Burke, Adam Valet, Jim Stogdill, and Dennis Edwards. Casket bearers will be Silvin Reed Jr., Erik Reed, Kraig Reed, Cortney Rexroth, Blaine Rexroth, Mitchell Hager, Raymond Kingery, and Derek Rexroth. Burial will be in St. Mary�s Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the combined squads of the American Legion Post 27 and the V.F.W. Post 1565. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 16, 2005, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home with a Rosary Prayer Service to be prayed Tuesday, 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be Wednesday 9 - 10 a.m. at St. Mathias Church. Memorials may be made to Ss Mary and Mathias Parish or Senior Hospice of Iowa City. Online condolences for the Hager family may be left at www.wittichfuneralhome.com. Robert was born August 17, 1928, in Frankville, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Marjorie Kobriger Hager. He married Margaret Moellers April 28, 1952, in Ossian, Iowa. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving in the US Army. He retired from Muscatine Power and Water after 23 years. He was a member of Ss Mary and Mathias Parish, Moose Lodge #388, and American Legion Post 27. He had a railroad collection, enjoyed woodworking and traveling. He also enjoyed listening and going to concerts of the Gaither Musical Group. Survivors include his wife Margaret Hager of Muscatine; one son Randy Hager of Muscatine; three daughters Sherry Lee Pitzer and husband Larry of Muscatine, Sandra Kay Rexroth and husband Rick of Muscatine, and Robyn Edwards and husband Gary of Muscatine; numerous grandchildren and many great grandchildren; two brothers Gerald Hager of Castalia, Iowa, and Ronaldo "Jack� Hager of Postville, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Marjorie, and one son-in-law Silvin Reed Sr.