Robert L. Launer, 85, of Fremont died Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at A.J. Merrick Manor in Fremont.

Robert Laverne Launer was born Dec. 13, 1923, in Columbus. He was raised in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School in 1942. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii where he was a gunner during World War II. He married June Lovelady in Fremont in 1949. He later married Ardell Moon on Jan. 21, 1961, in Fremont. In 1945, he went to work for the Fremont Foundry as a machinist. While the business changed names to Nebraska Steel, Bowman Steel and Kisgen Manufacturing, Bob remained there until his retirement in 1996. Bob was proud to be a lifelong resident of Fremont. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles - Aerie 200 and the Fremont Veteran's Club.

He is survived by two daughters, Susan DeHoogh (and husband, Jack) of Sheldon, Iowa, and Nancy Janssen of LeMars, Iowa; and a brother, Don (and wife, Lila) Launer of Fremont. He also is survived by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Launer.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Monday at Dugan Funeral Chapel in Fremont with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.

A memorial has been established to A.J. Merrick Manor.