EXHIBIT 4.05

                    Certificate Of Trust of AmerUs Capital IV



         This Certificate of Trust of AmerUs Capital IV (the "Trust"), is being
duly executed and filed by the undersigned, as trustee, to form a statutory
trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act (12 Del. C. Section 3801 et seq.)
(the "Act").

         1.       Name. The name of the statutory trust formed hereby is AmerUs
Capital IV.

         2.       Delaware Trustee. The name and business address of the trustee
of the Trust with its principal place of business in the State of Delaware is
The Bank of New York (Delaware), 502 White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark,
Delaware 19711, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration.

         3.       Effective Date. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective
upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.


         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being the sole trustee of the
Trust, has executed this Certificate of Trust in accordance with Section 3811 of
the Act.



                                       The Bank of New York (Delaware),
                                       as Delaware Trustee

                                       By: /s/ Kristine Gullo
                                           --------------------------
                                           Name:   Kristine Gullo
                                           Title:  Vice President