Dr. Robert B. Tuberty O.D., 85, passed away peacefully Feb. 12, 2012, at Meth-Wick in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday St. John’s Catholic Church Mount Vernon, Iowa, where friends may call one hour before the service. Funeral arrangements are being made through Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

He was born Oct. 29, 1926, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea, the son of James H. and Beulah E. (Espey) Tuberty. He graduated from Albert Lea High School as class president in 1944. Bob served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS Faribault in the South Pacific. He graduated from Bemidji State College and Illinois College of Optometry with a Bachelor of Science degree and Doctor of Optometry. He opened a private practice in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1950 and practiced there for 40 years until his retirement in 1990.

Bob’s leadership ability was recognized throughout his life. He served on the Iowa Board of Optometry as vice-president for two years and as board member for six years. He was a life member of the American and Iowa Optometric Association and Veterans of Foreign War. As an active member of his community he served as president of Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Hillcrest Country Club and Parish Council of St. John’s Catholic Church.

He served as a board member of Linn County Mental Health and Mt. Vernon School; and as president of the Parish Council of St. John the Baptisit Catholic Church.

In 1951 Bob married Frances Ann Higgins of Independence, Iowa. In 1984 Bob married Betty May Tubbs, Anamosa, Iowa. In retirement he lived in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, Mission, Texas, and The Meth-Wick Community, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances Ann; and a brother, Brigadier General James T. Tuberty.

He is survived by his children: Timothy Joseph Tuberty (Patricia) of Massillon, Ohio; daughter, Joan Marie Tuberty, of Coralville, Iowa; grandchildren: James J. Tuberty (Kellie) of Charlston, S.C., Tayler, Savannah and Marshall Wilson of Coralville, Iowa; sister, Sister Joan Marie Tuberty of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Beverly Tuberty, of Howey In The Hills, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews. He is step-father to Victoria M. Schutter and step-grandfather to Shane A. Schutter and Heather L. Tubbs.

Memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or Iowa Optometric Association.