John W. Erger, 88, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, June 29, 2015, at West Ridge Care Center. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, at St. Jude's Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. with a Scripture vigil at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Additional visitation: 10 a.m. until service time Friday. Burial with military rites: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

John was born Dec. 8, 1926, to Louis and Sadie (Rotter) Erger in Walford, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Cambridge on May 26, 1948, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. They have five children, Steven (Sharon) Erger, Linda (Jack) Allgood, Dean Erger, Lisa (Ken) Mangrich and Paul (Lynne) Erger; eight grandchildren, Matt (Becky) Erger, Sam (Jessica) Erger, Jenny (Derek) Allgood, April Mangrich, Ashley (Jeff) Taliaferro, Michael Allgood, and Mason and Mitchell Erger; and five great-grandchildren, Savannah, Ava, Levi, Kendal and Alex Erger.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Glen, Curtis and Ron Erger; and sisters, Arlene Wodstrchill and Sharon Dunkin.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Emanuel; and many nieces and nephews.

John was a proud veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1944 and served for three and one-half years. In 1957, John joined the Cedar Rapids Police Department. He rose to the rank of first assistant to the chief and retired after 32 and one-half years of service to the city. He was a member of Cedar Rapids Police Association, Iowa State Police Association and Iowa Chiefs of Police Association. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 788.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, water sports, traveling and times with family and friends. He treasured the many family vacations at Lake Ada and trips to Texas. John and Mary Lou were married for 67 years. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him!

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Hospice of Mercy and West Ridge Care Center for their care and compassion to John and his family.

Memorials may be directed to a fund that will be established.