Obituary of Gilbert Leigh Hearn

He is survived by his wife, Lois, a brother, Roger (Shirley) Hearn of Monticello, Iowa, many nieces and nephews and his dog Mitzi. Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Wendy Sue, 2 sisters: Mary Parker and Elanor Adamson, and an infant brother, Robert. Gilbert was born March 13, 1933, in Monticello, Iowa the son of Paul and Esther (Yaeger) Hearn. He began working with his father at Hearn Oil & Tire Company in 1950. Gilbert graduated from Monticello High School in 1952, and was soon drafted into the US Army and served during the Korean War from 1953 - 1955. He married Lois Mae Caspers on September, 16 1953 in Monticello, Iowa. When Paul died in 1956, Gilbert and Lois bought the business and operated it until 1996. After retirement, Gilbert became a real estate broker, owning and operating R Realty. He was a member of V.F.W., the American Legion and a charter member of the original Monticello Drill Team. Gilbert was a volunteer on the Monticello Fire Department from 1955 - 1979, serving as Chief from 1962 - 1973. He was also on the Monticello City Council, a member of the Knights of Pythians, and was a charter member of the Monticello Jaycees. He also served the state of Iowa under Governor Terry Branstad as an Honorary Colonel in 1987 and as a member of District Six Judicial Nominating Commission from 1988 - 1994. Gilbert was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Hawkeyes and NASCAR. Gilbert L. Hearn, 76, of Monticello died Monday, March 23, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids after a period of declining health. Friends may call from 3 -7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009, at the Kramer Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2009, at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Monticello with Rev. Darryl Larson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Monticello where the Monticello Drill Team will accord military honors.