Robert Leist, 79, of Rowan, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 27, 2020 at United Church of Rowan, 811 Pesch Street in Rowan. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Rowan. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond, and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Robert Carroll, son of John and Virginia (Davis) Leist, was born September 3, 1940 at the Belmond hospital. Robert grew up on the family farm in rural Rowan and graduated from Rowan Consolidated School in 1958. Robert attended Iowa State University for one year. While there, Robert was catcher for ISU Baseball team and member of the ISU ROTC. After that first year Robert returned home to help his father farm and milk cows. On October 14, 1961, Robert was united in marriage to Bonnie Frohling at the United Methodist Church in Rowan. Robert farmed and raised cattle in the rural Rowan area for his whole life. Robert enjoyed traveling the United States by car, playing cards with friends, and loved sports, especially baseball, basketball, and bowling. Robert's family was a huge part of his life. He always encouraged family members to be active in their school and community. He was a regular attendee at ball games, fair events, and dance recitals where his family participated. Robert was a proud supporter of the Wright County Fair and enjoyed many afternoons attending livestock shows where his family was showing. Through his support of the fair he encouraged youth across the county to be involved in agriculture. He is survived by his wife Bonnie Leist; three daughters Robin (Bruce) Meyer of Rowan, Roxann (Paul) Swenson of Ankeny, and Ronda (William) Moss of Colorado; seven grandchildren Ginny (Tate) Carter, Jeff (Katie) Meyer, Eric (Amanda) Meyer, Daniel Swenson, Jessica (Eric) Marean, Alexa Moss, and Benjamin Moss; five great-grandchildren Mason & Jackson Carter, Macy & Weston Meyer, and Brecklynn Meyer; brothers Roger (Carnita) Leist and Ronald (Donna) Leist; sisters-in-law Ardith Frohling and Diane Sandman; brother-in-law Randy (Pam) Frohling; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law; and one sister-in-law.