Robert Leslie Cerven, the son of Leslie and Esther Copelin Cerven was born December 10, 1926 near Stanton, Iowa. He passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 3 months and 18 days. 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 WW II and received an honorable discharge on December 9, 1946. Bob was united in marriage to Bernice E. Palmquist on February 20, 1949 in Stanton, Iowa. 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 Water Shed 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, Iowa. 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, IA; sons: Bernard Cerven and special friend Ellen Hendrickson of Villisca, IA; and Roger Cerven and wife Becky of Stanton, IA; daughter, Roberta Henry and husband Chuck of Creston, IA; 8 grandchildren: Bill Gillespie, Shanon Gillespie, Paige Gillespie, Sara Reafling, Brielle Cerven, Jonathan Cerven, Andrew Cerven and Josh Henry; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Louise Hart and husband Allen of Stanton, IA, Carolyn Davis and husband Darrell of Elliott, IA and Kathryn Lass and husband Paul of Johnston, IA; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church in Red Oak, IA Burial in Mission Covenant Cemetery rural Stanton, IA with Military Rites by the Ernie Johnson American Legion Post #406 of Stanton. Rev. David MacDonald, Officiating Visitation with the family on Saturday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. 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. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.