Robert Nemmers

Robert William Nemmers, 86, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2007 at Kavanagh House on 56th St. in Des Moines, surrounded by his family.
Robert was born June 3, 1920 to Essie M. Cunningham Nemmers and William P. Nemmers. He was raised in Des Moines and attended Dowling High School until his family moved to Washington, D.C., where he graduated from Gonzaga High School. He attended Georgetown University for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy where he was a pilot and flight instructor.
He met his wife, Betty Jane Van Klavern Nemmers, in Ottumwa, Iowa while he was serving at the U.S. Naval Air Station there. Bob worked for the D.O.T., Iowa Aeronautics Division for thirty-five years, retiring from there in 1982. Bob and Betty were married June 8, 1946 and were blessed with two children, Michael S. and Pamela A. Nemmers. Bob was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa.
He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Q.B. (Quiet Birdman, an aviation club) and retired Naval Officers Association. His favorite pastimes were crossword puzzles and his family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, his son Mike (JoAnn) Nemmers, daughter Pam (Scott) Tursi, grandchildren Kim (Bill) Callahan, Shawn (Kary) Nemmers, Tanya Nemmers, Nick and Matt Tursi and great-grandchildren Haley, Devin and Isaac. He also is survived by two sisters, Betty Riordan and Mary Zaun of Des Moines, and one brother Jim (Pat) Nemmers of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Pat Cunningham of Des Moines, Margaret Neubeck of Maryland and brother John of California.
Funeral services for Bob will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Avenue, Des Moines on Wednesday, April 25th at 11 A.M. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. Visitation will be at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 S.W. 9th St. on Tuesday, April 24th from 3-7 P.M., with a rosary at 7 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Church Foundation or Central Iowa Hospice Kavanagh House.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Kavanagh House for the care and comfort provided to Bob and his family. We will never forget your kindness.

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