AURORA — Robert J. Vetter, 90, of Aurora died Friday, May 31, 2013, at Memorial Community Care.

His memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Aurora United Methodist Church. The Rev. Dr. F. Cole Fowler will officiate. Burial will be in the Aurora Cemetery. Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Joe Vetter, the son of Frances John and Saloma Rosalie (Springer) Vetter, was born on the family farm near Aurora on Sept. 20, 1922.

Survivors of the immediate family include his wife, Roberta Vetter of Aurora; four children and their spouses, Randy Vetter and Lorena Garrett of Aurora, Vicki and Jim Zikmund of Kearney, Frank and Kathy Vetter of Funk and Clark and Peggy Vetter of Franklin.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Jessie Vetter and friend Brian, Troy Vetter and friend Cassie, Vicki Garrett and friend Tim, Allison Garrett and friend Jacob, Tom and Sara Zikmund, Steve Zikmund and friend Ashley, Kate and Mike Griess, and Adam Vetter; five great-grandchildren, Kahle, Isabella, Barrett, Cole and Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob attended Fairview District 66 School south of the family farm. He worked in an airplane factory in California before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in January 1943, serving during World War II. Bob returned to Aurora to farm after being honorably discharged in January 1946.

Bob was married to Roberta Herron on Dec. 5, 1948, at Aurora. He farmed until his retirement in 1981.

He and Bobbie enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family in retirement. Bob was honored to be a member of a Freedom Flight to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. Bob was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion, United Methodist Church and the Soil Conservation Service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and their wives, Ray and Ruth, Max and Doris, Dale and Della and Lynn and Betty; an infant son, Rendall; and a great-grandson, Carter.

Posted in Obituaries on Saturday, June 1, 2013 Grand Island Independent