Robert William “Bob” Sweet dies at 85

 Robert William “Bob” Sweet, 85, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital. Per his request there will be no services or visitation.  Cremation rites were performed by Iowa Cremation. Survivors include his wife, Darlene M. (Lembke) Sweet; two daughters: Kim (Mark) Pond of Ft. Worth, Texas and Rosalie (William) Balk of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren: John (Stacy) Perez of Cedar Rapids; Shane (Brittany) and Sierra Pond, all of Ft. Worth, Texas; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; brother David (Mary) Sweet of Decorah; as well as many extended family members. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. Bob was born May 22, 1931 in New Hampton.  He married Darlene Lembke on May 20, 1952 in New Hampton.  They were married for sixty-four years. Bob worked twelve years for National Oats.  He then helped start up Corn Sweeteners, later sold to ADM Corn Sweeteners.  Bob spent the last fifteen years out of twenty-five years as Safety Director, retiring in 1993. Bob loved bowling and enjoyed rock hunting for many years with the Cedar Valley Rock and Mineral Society. Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be given to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Online condolences may be conveyed at www.iowacremation.com.