Robert Plank

Robert C. Plank, 91, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital after a short illness. Services with military rites were held Aug. 17 at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Burial was Aug. 19 at Lakeview Memorial Park Cemetery in Oshkosh, Wis.
Local survivors include grandson Michael Biederman of North Liberty.
Robert was born May 20, 1920, in Eldon, the son of Charles and Fanny (Russell) Plank. He graduated from Eldon High School in 1938. Robert joined the Navy in 1942 and achieved the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate First Class. He was stationed at Kaneohe Bay Naval Base in Hawaii and at the Ottumwa Naval Air Station, where he met his future wife, Elaine. He received an honorable discharge in 1946 and was united in marriage to Elaine Rhyner that same year. In 1950, both Robert and Elaine attended and graduated from the Kansas City School of Watch Making and Jewelry Repair. In 1960, they opened and successfully ran Plank Jewelers in the former Killian’s department store in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Please leave a message or tribute to the Plank family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.