Cretin, Robert A. 'Bob'

Robert A. “Bob” Cretin, 63, of Cedar Rapids passed away Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

Bob was born Nov. 1, 1949, in Eldora, Iowa, to Doris Jean (Wyatt) and John Thomas Cretin, who have preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Antioch Christian Church, 7215 Cottage Grove Pkwy., Marion. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the church.

Bob was raised with six siblings near Wellsburg, Iowa, on a farm, where he graduated from high school in 1968. Bob worked in management for Farm Service and Allis Chalmers for many years. In 2001, Bob received his real estate license and then later opened his home inspection business. Recently he was an instructor at Kirkwood Community College teaching CDL classes.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Peg, who he married on Sept. 1, 1995, at Lake Tahoe, Calif. Children surviving him are Jeff of Bloomington, Ill., and Jody (Donna) of Eldora; his stepsons, Jud (Lisa) Starn of Palo and Eric (Vicki) Starn of Anamosa; eight grandchildren; six siblings, Bill (Jan) of West Branch, Cathy (Kevin) Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Dick (Beth) and Jerry (Sammye), both of Mesa, Ariz., John (Pam) of Seffner, Fla., and Chuck (Liz) of Eldora; father-in-law, Bill Smith of Marion; sister-in-law, Sharon Smith of Marion, Deb (Randy) Greif of Lake City, Fla., and Molly Smith of Eldora; and many nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his aunts, Jo (Gordon) Paul and Betty (Harlan) Lucas, who brought so much joy and love as did his cousins.

Preceding him in death are his mother-in-law, Jessie Smith; brother-in-law, Kenny Smith; and sister-in-law, Lea Ann Kline.

Bob's joy in life, besides his family, was forever trying to find something to fix. He loved volunteering for Hospice of Mercy and admired the folks he served as he survived lung cancer in 2003 himself. He knew well what they were experiencing. His greatest delights were his Shih Tzus, Chloe and Lexi, his favorite fuzzy little nurses.

His bright blue eyes and that contagious smile will be missed by many, especially Peg.

Thank you to all who selflessly helped us get through this ordeal.

Online condolences may be left at www.iowacremation.com

Published Jan. 31, 2013 in The Gazette