Robert "Bob" Rosencrants

1927 - 2016

Robert "Bob" Rosencrants

Centerville



Robert "Bob" Rosencrants, age 88 of Centerville, Iowa passed away Friday, March 25, 2016, at Centerville Care Center.

Bob was born on September 25, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Henry and Blanche (Luckett) Rosencrants.

After graduating from Moravia High School, Bob joined the United States Navy on May 7, 1946. From Pearl Harbor to China, Bob enjoyed the opportunity to see the world while serving his country faithfully.

Following his discharge from the Navy in 1948, Bob found work on the railroad as a fireman. A hot and tedious job that led to a life-long appreciation for steam engines and rail roads.

Bob's first business was a radiator repair shop on 7th Street in Centerville in the early 1950s. In the mid 1950s Bob created a scrap metal business on Elm Street which he sold in the early 1970s. Self financed and built from the bottom up, Bob created a thriving scrap business, working seven days a week, 16 hours a day.

An entrepreneur at heart, Bob spent much of his adult life putting deals together. In the late 1960's Bob went into the used automobile business, eventually adding mobile homes and recreational vehicles.

In the early 1980s, Bob made a successful leap into the real estate business starting Action Realty, Rosie's Mini Storage, Rosie's Rentals, and Rosencrants Farms.

Work was Bob's life. He had a passion for making deals. He believed in overcoming adversity through perseverance. He never wanted to retire.

Bob was active in many groups throughout his lifetime, including the American Legion, the VFW-Post # 526, the Masons, and the Centerville Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by his son, Robert Rosencrants of Carlisle, Iowa; three grandchildren, Benjamin (Kristin) Rosencrants of Atlanta, Georgia, Aaron Rosencrants of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Rachel Rosencrants of Port Townsend, Washington; two great grandchildren, Brynn and Kendall Rosencrants; a brother, Ben (Mary) Rosencrants of Hot Springs, Arkansas; a sister, Rebecca (Dwight) Robb of Des Moines, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Rose Stayton.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville, Iowa, with the funeral eulogy provided by Bob's son, Robert Rosencrants. A Masonic Service will be conducted during the funeral. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa, with military rites. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 6-8 PM. Memorials have been established to Care Initiatives Hospice or to the Centerville VFW, Post # 526 and may be mailed to Lange Funeral Home and Crematory, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.