Dr. Robert Levier

Dr. Robert R. LeVier, 70, of Garwin, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, at MMSC. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010, at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Memorials may be directed to Bobs family. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bob and his family. Phone 641-844-1234. Robert R. LeVier was born on May 8, 1940, in Algona, Iowa. He was the son of Harold and Roberta (Morrell) LeVier. He spent his early years in Fort Dodge then graduated from Humboldt High School in 1958. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa, receiving his doctorate in Endocrinology in 1968. Dr. LeVier worked as a research biologist for Dow Corning Corporation in Midland, Michigan, retiring as Director of Bioscience Research in 1993. His research was directed toward the development of silicone medical devices and studies on the biological properties of organosilicon compounds. He oversaw trials of an organosilicon treatment for prostate cancer. Dr. LeVier was recognized as an authority on the biology of silicon compounds and participated in the 1977 Nobel Symposium on this subject. He was awarded the Sigma Xi Most Outstanding Research Contribution during 1975-1978.After his formal retirement, he continued to consult on silicon issues and pursued a second career in taxidermy. He mounted many of the mammalian specimens at Grimes Farm Nature Center. On September 8, 1961, Bob married Vivian Appelgate at Chapel Church in Gladbrook. The couple raised two sons, David and Steven. Bob is survived by his wife Vivian of Garwin; his son David LeVier, his wife Sue Lowe, and their children Claire and James, all of Cheshire, Connecticut, his son Steven LeVier and his wife Joan of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; his brother Lee (Melodye) LeVier of California, his sister Carolyn (Bill) Filter of Nebraska, his sister Nancy (Mike) Butler of California; his mother-in-law Gladys Appelgate of Gladbrook; his sister-in-law Gayle (David) Batty of Maryland, his brother-in-law Bruce (Mary) Appelgate of Gladbrook, his brother-in-law Merlyn (Connie) Appelgate of Garwin; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Roberta LeVier, his father-in-law Leroy Appelgate, and his infant daughter Karen.