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Robert "Bob" Cerwin

1934 - 2021

BORN

1934

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby

106 Cherryville Road

Shelby, North Carolina

Robert Cerwin Obituary

Robert "Bob" Cerwin

Shelby, NC - Robert Anton Cerwin died peacefully on March 19, 2021 In Shelby, NC, surrounded by family.

He was born August 1, 1934 in Milwaukee, WI, the oldest son of Anton F and Mary E. Cerwin. He graduated with a degree in psychology from Carroll College in 1956. Robert married Elaine Mary Cerwin from Waukesha, WI in 1956, and they were able to celebrate 64 years of marriage. Robert is survived by his wife, Elaine, brother Alan Richard Cerwin, daughter Debra Cerwin, son, Todd Cerwin (Deanna Cerwin), daughter Janet Johnson (Dwight Johnson), daughter-in-law, Renee Cerwin, grandchildren Joshua Sweeney, Phillip and Taylor Cerwin, Logan, Savannah, and Graham Cerwin, Kaitlin, Jennifer, and Sydney Johnson, and one great grandchild, Ellie Rexrode Johnson-Loomis. He is predeceased by his parents, Anton and Mary Cerwin, and son Eric Cerwin.

Robert and Elaine were married in Milwaukee and moved to Burlington, WI in 1958 to start CerTex Petroleum with Robert's father. He later bought the business to form the Bob Cerwin Company and expanded to include the Firestone Store on Hwy 36, and convenience stores throughout Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

Robert was very active in the Burlington community and the Plymouth Congregational Church. He joined the Burlington Rotary Club in his late 20s. He served as president of the Burlington Rotary club, District Governor, International Director, and then Vice President of Rotary International. He also held a founding role in initiating and promoting Rotary's global program of eradicating polio worldwide. Devoting countless hours to charity, Robert and Elaine traveled to 54 countries on 6 continents in their service.

He was a highly sought-after international motivational speaker with a unique style of interacting with the audience, relating personal stories, and never giving the same speech twice.

Together, Robert and Elaine formed the non-profit organization, the US chapter of the British charity, Hope and Homes for Children, for orphans of war and disaster in Eastern Europe and Africa.

In his free time, Robert was an avid snowmobiler, held a private pilot license and enjoyed photography.

In 1991, Robert and Elaine moved to North Carolina to be closer to family, having lived abroad from 2011-2015 in Cuenca, Ecuador, and ultimately returning to Shelby, NC.

His children remember him as a loving, kind, engaging, ambitious, fun and devoted Dad.

Due to Covid, a private service will be held for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Cleveland County at 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or Rotary International Foundation, at Rotary.org/donate.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.

Online guest registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times from Mar. 24 to Mar. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cerwin

Sponsored by Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby.

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Lucy & Gene Keil

April 19, 2021

We were very sad to read of Bob's death. It brought back many warm memories of our friendship with you, Elaine, and Bob and also of your wonderful letters from Ecuador. I enjoyed being on session with Bob and appreciated his outspokenness! Sorry to be so slow in writing this.

Nadine Teisberg

April 8, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss of Bob. My parents Bernard and Lucile Gilding had so many fun times with Bob and Elaine in Burlington WI. I especially remember an Acapulco Mexico trip a big group from Burlington went on flown down by my Dad with many co-pilots . I know Bob was a great friend to my Dad. I remember all the great times at the Burlington WI airport.
I will be sure to let my Dad know of this great loss.
~ Nadine Gilding Teisberg

BIVINS DIESEL SERVICE INC.

April 1, 2021

TODD, DEANNA, AND FAMILY, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR A FAMILY CAN BE. WE KNOW THE LOSS MY BE HARD, BUT GOD WILL PROVIDE STRENGTH AND PEACE IN THE DAYS TO COME. OUR PRAYER ARE WITH YOU. FREINDS AT BIVINS DIESEL SERIVCE

Robert Shoemaker

March 29, 2021

Bob and I first met when he was district governor and I was director. When I served as governor I was disappointed that nothing was being done at zone meetings to help prepare incoming governors for their coming duties. Except for Australia everything was left to the International Assembly. At the first zone meeting for which I was responsible I asked Bob to provide some training for the Governors Nominee and he accepted the challenge and I asked the RI Central office to provide some material for him which they did. The good work that Bob Cherwin did became a model and now Governors Nominee training is done in the U.S. and elsewhere. Bob later when serving as RI Director had an impact on the Central Office. I am very sad to learn of his loss to Rotary. Even when he was in Ecuador we kept in touch.
My sympathy to you, and your family.
Most sincerely, Bob Shoemaker, PRID

Robert Shoemaker

March 29, 2021

Bob and I first met when he was district governor and I was director. When I served as governor I was disappointed that nothing was being done at zone meetings to help prepare incoming governors for their coming duties. Except for Australia everything was left to the International Assembly. At the first zone meeting for which I was responsible I asked Bob to provide some training for the Governors Nominee and he accepted the challenge and I asked the RI Central office to provide some material for him which they did. The good work that Bob Cherwin did became a model and now Governors Nominee training is done in the U.S. and elsewhere. Bob later when serving as RI Director had an impact on the Central Office. I am very sad to learn of his loss to Rotary. Even when he was in Ecuador we kept in touch.
My sympathy to you, and your family. Most sincerely, Bob Shoemaker, PRID

Dick & Carlyne Yopp

March 28, 2021

Was part of the "Cerwin Team" and enjoyed working with everyone. Missed seeing the Cerwin family when Bob retired. He always had a smile to share. Rest in peace, Bob. It's time you can slow down now and enjoy the reward of being with your parents and Eric again. Our sympathy to Elaine and family. I know Bob will be watching over you all.

Lisa Ledford

March 28, 2021

Todd and Family

So sorry about your loss. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers .

Paul and Amy Michaels

March 27, 2021

We were most fortunate when we first moved to Asheville to have Bob and Elaine as our next door neighbors. Bob always had a story to share and what a wonderful laugh he had. We were truly blessed to have known him.

jonie blanton

March 27, 2021

The Family and Friends are in my Prayers.

Judy and Paul Spivey

March 26, 2021

We will always remember Bob's smile and laugh. He was so special and will never be forgotten. A dear and kind friend.

Margie Wolters

March 23, 2021

He was an amazing man .. just thinking about Bob brings a smile to my face .. he will be missed ..

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory - Shelby

106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC 28150-4208

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