Robert B. Mericle (1907-2007)

MERICLE, DYBA

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 10/13/2007 at 12:16:44

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Saturday, October 13, 2007.

Robert B. Mericle, 99, of West Des Moines, died in his sleep Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Hospice/Kavanaugh House in Des Moines. A mass celebrating his life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines.

Robert B. Mericle was born Nov. 12, 1907, in Sibley, and was raised on a farm in Blue Earth, Minn. He enrolled at then Iowa State College and graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine in 1929.

He married Olga Dyba Sept. 4, 1937. They lived in Nebraska, California, Colorado, Arizona and Iowa (Nevada, Des Moines and West Des Moines).

His career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture began in 1929, where he specialized in poultry inspection. He held various positions in several states from the West Coast to Ohio, including district supervisor. Among his many awards and citations, he treasured the Stang Award for Meritorious Service from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He was one of three inaugural recipients to be recognized with this preeminent award in 1970. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recognized his professional achievements by presenting him with the presidential citation.

He was a great gardener, enjoyed traveling, loved to ballroom dance and always looked forward to serving turkey drumsticks at the Iowa State Fair.

Survivors include three sons, Bruce (Gael), of Mankato, Minn., Dale, of Reno, Nevada, and Kent (Régine), of West Des Moines; nine grandchildren, Erik, Andrea, Melanie, Mary-Susan, Stephen, Melody, Lorraine, Alexe and Crockett; and one soon-to-be great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga; one brother, Clifford; and one sister, Phyllis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Arboretum Endowment Fund or the Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Endowment Fund.

Bacon Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

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