Funeral services to celebrate the life of Richard J. “Dick” Kerker, 76, a resident of Davenport were Dec. 30 at Halligan McCabe DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport. Burial took place in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, with the American Legion Post 26 providing military honors. Visitation was held at the funeral home. Dick died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House with his family by his side.
Richard James Kerker was born Jan. 4, 1933, in Davenport, a son of Donald and Viola (Buemann) Kerker. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army, primarily stationed in Germany. He was united in marriage to Joyce Mueller on Nov. 14, 1959, at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. They recently celebrated their 50-year anniversary.
After returning from the Army, Dick went to work as a plumber at the Rock Island Arsenal, retiring from there after 37 years of service.
After retirement, Dick became very active in many organizations. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Moose Lodge, Elks, Northwest Turner Hall, Knights of Columbus No. 532, the Eagles Club, American Legion No. 26, and the VFW.
Dick and Joyce cherished the past 13 winters they were able to spend in Hawaii. Dick was a collector of many things, particularly German beer steins, coins and postcards that depicted the Quad-Cities. He also enjoyed coaching Dad’s Club Softball, and was inducted into the Iowa Men’s Fastpitch Hall of Fame in 1990 for his skills as a catcher. He played in six world tournaments and won four state championships, primarily playing for Powers’ Tap.
Memorials may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Holy Family Catholic Church, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice.
Survivors include his loving wife, Joyce, Davenport; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Paul Weiman, Davenport; a grandson, Troy Weiman; a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Darlene Kerker, Newhall, IA; a sister, Mary Lou Moses, Davenport; and many nieces and nephews and their spouses.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law, Tim Blumer, a brother-in-law, Don Moses, and a niece, Debbie Kerker. May they rest in peace. Online remembrances and condolences may be expressed by visiting Dick’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com