Robert Cerven, 85
Robert "Bob" L. Cerven, 85, of Stanton, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak.
Robert Leslie Cerven was born to Leslie and Esther (Copelin) Cerven Dec. 10, 1926, near Stanton. Robert was raised in the Stanton and Villisca areas. He graduated from Villisca High School with the class of l944.
Bob entered the U.S. Army in 1945, served during World War II and received an honorable discharge Dec. 9, 1946.
He married Bernice E. Palmquist Feb. 20, 1949, in Stanton. Their first home together was Bob’s childhood farm home, where they lived until 1994, at which time they moved to the farm of Bernice’s childhood home.
Bob was a farmer and raised livestock all his life. He was a lifelong promoter of soil and water conservation. Bob served 22 years, from 1972-l994, as a District Commissioner for the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District, serving as chairman and vice-chairman. He was instrumental in the formation of the Hacklebarney Watershed Project. Bob was also well known for his pipe and steel business, making thousands of intakes. He was a member of Faith Community Church in Red Oak and the Ernie Johnson American Legion Post #406 of Stanton.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Medie Cerven; grandson, Nick Henry; and brother, Donald W. Cerven.
Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernice Cerven, of rural Stanton; sons, Bernard Cerven and special friend Ellen Hendrickson, of Villisca, and Roger (Becky) Cerven, of Stanton; daughter, Roberta (Chuck) Henry, of Creston; eight grandchildren, Bill Gillespie, Shanon Gillespie, Paige Gillespie, Sara Reafling, Brielle Cerven, Jonathan Cerven, Andrew Cerven and Josh Henry; six great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Louise (Allen) Hart, of Stanton, Carolyn (Darrell) Davis, of Elliott, and Kathryn (Paul) Lass, of Johnston; nieces and nephews; along with other relatives and friends.
Funeral services took place Saturday, March 31, at Faith Community Church in Red Oak. Burial was in Mission Covenant Cemetery in rural Stanton, with Military Rites by the Ernie Johnson American Legion Post #406 of Stanton. Rev. David MacDonald officiated. Visitation with the family was Saturday morning at Faith Community Church.
Memorials may be given to Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District Educational Scholarship Fund, Faith Community Church or directed to the family. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.sldfuneralhome.com. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.