Robert W. Querns

Robert W. Querns, of Marblehead, Ohio and formerly of Middleport, died April 23, 2019 in The Jane Baker House on The Otterbein Marblehead Campus in Ohio. He was born June 6, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pa. to James Wesley and Bertha (Schwartz) Querns and lived in Niagara County since 1950.

Robert was a United States Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater in the Philippine Islands during the war, and then in the Army National Guard until 1975, retiring with the rank of captain. Captain Querns flew many aircraft during his career but spent most of his time overseas in a P-47 Thunderbolt. When he joined the Army National Guard in Niagara Falls, he also flew various helicopters as well as fixed-wing aircraft. He was instrumental in saving the lives of many patients following the flood of 1972 in Elmira, when he was activated to take several patients from the roof of the hospital and evacuate them to safety on the ground. Robert was very humble about his service and traits of dedications and would say that they were just part of his duty to his country. Because of his service, Captain Querns was the recipient of the Air Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the Philippine Defense Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Bob was also an industrial arts teacher at Royalton-Hartland Central Schools for many years, imparting his wisdom, common sense and skill to hundreds of students. He retired from teaching in 1980. In addition to being a longtime member of Middleport United Methodist Church, Bob was a member of Cataract Lodge #295 F&AM, a former member of the Middleport Rotary Club, and a former member of the VFW and American Legion.

Captain Querns was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty; and by his siblings, Herbert, Paul, James, William and Richard Querns, and Josephine Koral.

He is survived by his children, Ronald (Shirley) Querns of Maryland, Wesley (Susan) Querns of Arizona, Colleen (Mike) New of Ohio, David (Guia) Querns of California, and Craig (Tammy) Querns of Olean; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, on Mon., April 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. only. Family and friends are invited to attend Robert’s memorial service on Wed., May 1 at Middleport United Methodist Church beginning at 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place in Glenwood Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Middleport United Methodist Church, 9 Park Ave., Middleport NY 14105.

To share a special memory of Robert, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.