Orville Dale Cerven

Orville Dale Cerven was born January 17, 1926 near Gravity, Iowa to Marjorie (Akers) Cerven and Oscar F. Cerven. Dale entered eternal rest on Sunday, July 10, 2011 at the Stanton Care Center in Stanton, Iowa at the age of eighty-five years.
Dale attended rural school in Holt Township. After 8th grade he attended and graduated from Gravity High School in 1944. Dale always talked about how he and his brother and sister drove a Model A Ford back and forth to school. In the winter they boarded in town. Following graduation Dale started farming with his Dad. He continued this occupation for 61 years.
In 1954 Dale married Marcia Bycroft and they resided on a farm next to his father. After two years they moved to Adams County to a farm in Lincoln Township. This farm was one Marcia’s grandfather had acquired in the 1930’s. In 2005 Dale retired from farming due to poor health. Dale continued to have an interest in the farm following his retirement. Dale’s tenant Lowell Evans was very devoted in letting Dale share in decisions about the operation. Dale was a good steward of the land and loved his occupation. He served as an Adams County Soil Commissioner for many years. He installed many miles of terraces and practiced no till farming. His livestock included a small dairy herd in early years after which he concentrated on hogs and beef cattle.
Dale was very active in the community. He was a member and served on the board of the Adams County Farm Bureau. Also, he served on the Federal Land Bank Association board, a member of the Southwest Farm Business Association, Adams County Extension council and served as Lincoln Township trustee. In addition, he served as a 4-H leader of the local boys Busy Beavers club when his children were involved in 4-H. In later years he was a 30 year board member of Adams County Mutual Insurance.
Dale was an active member of his church, Redeemer Lutheran, where he served as treasurer for several years.
Dale and Marcia have four children: Edward Dale, Vicki, Judith and Diane. Dale was a devoted father teaching them many life skills. He enjoyed following his children’s church, 4-H and school activities. He was proud of their accomplishments and could always be found on the sidelines watching and encouraging them to do their best whether it was music, sports, 4-H or church. He especially loved his grandchildren and watching their activities.
Dale is survived by his wife Marcia; children: Edward Cerven of Ankeny, Iowa, Vicki (husband Charles) Astell of Troy, Michigan, Judith Cerven of Cedar Hill, Texas, Diane (husband Tom) Jenn of Iowa City, Iowa; brothers: Dean (wife Betty) Cerven of Weldon, Iowa, Duane (wife Evelyn) Cerven of Blanchard, Iowa; sister, Dorothy Hicks of Gravity, Iowa; brother-in-law, Ronald Bycroft of Fort Collins, Colorado; six grandchildren: Ryan and Cassie Jenn, Juleen and Jennifer Cerven, Danielle Joyce and Rochelle Cerven; many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Oscar and Marjorie Cerven; brother-in-law, Talton Hicks and his “special in-laws” Henry and Gladys Bycroft.
Dale will be greatly missed by all who knew him.