ROBERT B. MERICLE, DVM West Des Moines Robert B. Mericle, 99, died in his sleep on October, 9 2007 at Hospice/Kavanaugh House, Des Moines. A mass celebrating Robert's life will be held on November 10, 2007 at 10:30 at Sacred Heart Church, West Des Moines. Robert was born on November 12, 1907 in Sibley, Iowa and was raised on a farm in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He enrolled at then Iowa State College and graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1929. Robert's career with the US 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, Robert 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 US Department of Agriculture recognized Robert's 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. Robert married Olga Dyba on September 4, 1937. They lived in Nebraska, California, Colorado, Arizona, and Iowa (Nevada, Des Moines, and West Des Moines). Survivors include three sons: Bruce (Gael) of Mankato, Minnesota, Dale of Reno, Nevada, and Kent (Regine) of West Des Moines; nine grandchildren: Erik, Andrea, Melanie, Mary-Susan, Stephen, Melody, Lorraine, Alexe, Crockett; and one soon to be great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olga, his brother, Clifford, and 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 and Crematory in charge of arrangements.