Iowa Living Magazines

Barbara Paul

Barbara Paul died May 8, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Facility. Barb was born in Dixon, Illinois, and raised in Jerome. She played basketball for both Numa High School and Seymour High School where she graduated in 1948. She graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 and obtained her Bachelor of General Studies degree from Drake University in 1981.
After graduating from nursing school, she began her career at Mercy on the 3-11 shift starting in the orthopedic unit and then as the nursing supervisor for seven years. In 1959, Barb married Eugene J Paul and welcomed triplets the next year. They made their home in Urbandale, across the street from St. Pius X Catholic Church and School.
Barb stayed home to raise her children for 10 years. She returned to Mercy Hospital as a part-time nursing administration patient care coordinator in 1970 and served in that role until her retirement in 1995.
Barb is survived by her children, Dr. Jean M. Paul and John E. Paul. Her husband, Eugene; her son Thomas; and her mother, Edith Welch, preceded her in death.
A visitation was held Sunday, May 15 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Urbandale. Mass of Christian burial was Monday, May 16, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Urbandale.

Carolyn J. Hebron

Carolyn J. Hebron, 80, died May 5, 2022, at Mercy One Hospice in Johnston. Visitation was held on Wednesday, May 11, at Grandview Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow in Glendale Cemetery.
Carolyn worked at K-Mart for many years. She is survived by her children Tammy (Ray) Wilson and Robert (Linda) Hebron; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters and many friends. Online condolences can be expressed at IlesCares.com.

Andrew James Crowley

Andrew James Crowley, 24, died April 29, 2022. Born in Des Moines, Andrew grew up and lived in Urbandale until graduating from Johnston High School in 2016. He was a lifelong member of Plymouth Congregational Church. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Iowa in 2021, with a double major in economics and ethics and public policy. He was a member and former president of the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Delta Lambda Phi social fraternity. He started his first professional job in quality management at Epic, a medical software company in Verona, Wisconsin, in July 2021.
Andrew is survived by his parents, Jason and Laura Crowley; sister, Katherine Crowley; grandmother, Mary Crowley; and his beloved cats, Callie, Sesame and Mocha. He was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, John Crowley, and his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Dorothy Jeanne Bridenstine.
Funeral services were Friday, May 13 at Plymouth Congregational Church, Des Moines. A reception will follow. Online condolences can be made. Visit www.Ilescares.com.

Sharon M. Gracey

Sharon M. Gracey, 73, died at Hospice House in Johnston on May 10, 2022. Sharon was born in Des Moines. She worked at Mercy Hospital as a rehab technician for 26 years. Sharon is survived by her twin sister, Karen; her nephew, Shawn; and a great niece and nephew. A celebration of life is to be announced at a later date.

Anna Sophia Heeren

Anna Sophia Heeren, 15, died on May 7, 2022. She was born in Cherokee and attended Aurelia Elementary School through second grade. The family moved to Grimes in 2015, and she attended Dallas Center-Grimes schools into her freshman year. Anna was active in Sunday school, youth group and church choir at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes.
In 2020, Anna was diagnosed with bilateral thalamic glioma brain tumors, which later progressed into her brain stem. She underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines until March 2022.
Anna is survived by her brother, Rylan Heeren; mother, Summer Heeren; father, Jason Heeren (Rachel Henigan); Emily and Autumn Henigan; grandparents, Dave and Janeen Hinkeldey and Richard and Julie Heeren; great-grandparents Carolyn Faux and Sharon Heeren; five cousins; several aunts and uncles; and many extended family and friends.
Services were held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes on Friday, May 13. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Katherine Jean Bowersox

Katherine Jean (Gamble) Bowersox, 42, died May 9, 2022, at her apartment in Grimes. Katherine was born and raised in Saylorville and lived and worked around the Des Moines metropolitan as a nurse and nurse practitioner.
Surviving are her father, Dan Gamble; sisters Tracy (John) Ripperger and Kristin (Jim) Wilbanks; nephew Patrick Wilbanks; along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Katherine was preceded in death by her mother, Diana Lynn (Hermann) Gamble, and grandparents.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Linda Holtgrewe

Linda Holtgrewe, 69, died May 8, 2022, in Des Moines. Services were held on Friday, May 13 at Southeast Polk Family Church in Pleasant Hill. Burial of cremains will be in the New Altoona Cemetery at a later date. Survivors include Linda’s husband, Ken Tomes; daughters Hilary (Jason) Prall and Ashley (Ryan) Hall; three grandchildren; two siblings and her extended family. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Brad Holtgrewe. To sign an online condolence, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Dennis Hagan

Dennis Dwayne “Denny” Hagan, 79, of Altoona, died May 3, 2022. He was born in Des Moines to Paul and Betty (Watters) Hagan. Denny is survived by his wife, Sue Hagan; children, Sherry (Jamie) Walker and Dewayne Hagan; grandchildren, Allyson (Nic Roney) Walker, Nathan (Mary McKee) Walker, Lily Walker and Connor Hagan; brothers, Gary (Diane) Hagan and David (Jeanne) Hagan. Services will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Sunshine Open Bible Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. To express online condolences, visit dyamondmemorial.com.

Leona Mae Mahoney

Leona Mae Mahoney, 88, died at Parkridge Specialty Care on May 9, 2022. She was born in Clearfield and graduated from Clearfield Community School in 1952. Leona attended Thompson Beauty School in Des Moines and worked as a beautician, first in Creston and then in Des Moines. She married Roger Mahoney in 1955 and had two daughters. She had a Blue Bird group in Ankeny, then the family moved to the Bondurant area, where Leona and the girls joined the 4H club. She worked at Farrar Elementary School, first as a librarian and then as the office secretary, and also as a fill-in cook, teacher, nurse and principal as needed. Leona and Roger retired in 1996. They spent winters in Arizona.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years and three siblings. She is survived by her children, Sandi (Mike) Sibley and Karen (Allen) Bieghler; four great grandsons; six great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services were held Saturday, May 14, at Santiago United Methodist Church in Mitchellville.

Alex Blake James

Alex Blake James, 36, died May 3, 2022. A funeral service was held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway on May 7. Alex was born in Des Moines on Dec. 30, 1985, to Paula (Pearson) and Daniel James. He graduated from Adel De Soto Minburn High School and was an active member of the thespian group and drummer in the band.
Following high school, Alex worked for Home Care Services as a dispatcher and most recently for De Lage Lander Financial Services in customer service. He also worked part time at the Adel Library for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Amelia James; his parents; brothers, Aaron (Ericka) James and Drew (Mary) James; several nephews and other relatives. Alex was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Susan Clark. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

John Franklin Kratz

John Franklin Kratz, 65, died April 10, 2022. He was born in Lake City. He grew up in Ames and enjoyed working on a family friend’s farm in Winterset. John leaves behind two sisters, two children, five grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends. A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Arnold ‘Arnie’ Johansen

Arnold “Arnie” Johansen, 93, died May 8, 2022. Arnie was born in Brooklyn, New York. After high school, he followed a friend to Waldorf College in Forest City where he met Willa Mae Bauge. They were married in 1951. In 1960, they moved to Urbandale where they raised their two sons.
Arnie worked for 40 years at Little Giant Crane and Shovel as a transportation manager. He was an active member of many affiliations. He was a 50+ year member of Capital Lodge 110 of Des Moines, a subordinate lodge of the Grand Lodge of Iowa; a 32nd degree Mason of the Iowa Scottish Rite; a longtime member and commander of the VFW Local 9662; and a member of the Urbandale Lions Club and High 12 Club.
He is survived by his sons Craig (Diane) and Curt (Kathy); four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one sister and one brother. A memorial service was held May 11 at the Donna Reed Theater at Woodlands Creek Senior Living Community. Online condolences can be expressed at IlesCares.com.

Paul Robert Schulte

Paul Robert Schulte, 61, of Urbandale died May 8, 2022, after a battle with cancer. Paul was born in Des Moines. He grew up in West Des Moines and attended WDM schools before his career in the carpentry industry, owning both Schulte Woodworking and Schulte Millworking.
Paul is survived by his children Stephanie (Don) Kinna, Chris Schulte and Shawna Schulte; several grandchildren; four siblings; companion Shelley Lytle; and nieces, nephews, an aunt, uncles, friends and co-workers. Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law.
Funeral services were Thursday, May 12 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

Bernadine ‘Bernie’ Rullestad

Bernadine “Bernie” Rullestad, 83, died Dec. 23, 2021. Bernie resided in Urbandale for more than 50 years with her husband of 63 years, Richard “Shorty” Rullestad. She had three children, Luanne, Lynette and Lisa, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 27 at Giovannetti Community Shelter House, 8900 Douglas Ave., Urbandale. To send flowers or a remembrance gift, visit ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Carol ‘Jeanne’ Harvey

Carol “Jeanne” Harvey, 88, died April 29, 2022, at Glen Oaks in Urbandale. She was born in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Drake University. She shared her joy of learning with countless students over her 48-year teaching career, the majority spent at Jackson Elementary.
Jeanne is survived by her daughters, Libby (Dana) Harvey-Hill and Tamara Harvey; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; five siblings, and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Harvey; daughter Brenda Harvey; and two sisters.
Services will be held on Monday, May 16 at 2 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Ave., Des Moines. The family will greet guests one hour prior to services. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.

Daniel Ramirez Martinez

Daniel Ramirez Martinez, 86, died April 24, 2022, at the Urbandale Health Care Center while under the care of Suncrest Hospice. Daniel was born in Mason City. He was one of 18 children and the youngest of the boys. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17. He served as part of the Crash Rescue Team from 1952-1956. After his military service, he began working for the railroad and continued to serve with the National Guard.
Daniel married Barbara Magnuson, and they had four children. He is survived by his daughters Debbie Webb (Steve) and Melissa Martinez; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, two sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter Teresa, son Daniel Jr., and 13 siblings. Funeral services were held Friday, April 29 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.

Robert Oscar Garrison

Robert Oscar Garrison, 69, died on May 4, 2022, due to Parkinson’s Lewy Body dementia. Bob was born in Emmetsburg. After graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1972, he studied at Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing. He later received his master’s degree in nursing from Drake University while working for the Iowa State Patrol. During his 32-year tenure, Bob served as a trooper, assistant district commander, district commander, area commander, Departmental Training Academy commander, and executive assistant to the Commissioner of Public Safety. He was appointed to head the Iowa State Patrol in 1999, a position he held for eight years. Having no interest in early retirement, Bob spent two years as chief of security for the Iowa DOC before being named the new chief of the law enforcement bureau for the Iowa DNR in 2010. After retiring in earnest, Bob spent his time fishing and with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Susan Garrison; sisters, Robin Carr and Rosanne Garrison; step-children Emily Kramer and Aaron Meyer; and nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Services were May 11 at Saint Theresa’s Catholic Church.

Carolyn Bachtell

Carolyn Bachtell, 64, of Urbandale, died May 4, 2022, at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines of heart failure. She was born in Waterloo and graduated from West High School in 1976. She attended Iowa State University and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1981 with a degree in public relations and banking. She worked in the banking industry her entire life and finished her career at Wells Fargo, first in Dallas, Texas, and then Des Moines. She was a member of Delta Zeta sorority and PEO chapter GC.
She is survived by her sister, Sara (Jim) Burke; brothers Jamie (Carla) Bachtell and Robert (Chua) Bachtell; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Services were May 10 at Locke at Tower Park in Waterloo. Condolences may be left at www.lockefuneralservices.com.

Victoria Bernice Ferin

Victoria Bernice (Glenn) Ferin, 64, of Urbandale died May 3, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 7 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. Burial as at Glendale Cemetery. Vicki was born in Sioux City. After graduating from Dowling Catholic High School in 1975, she received a degree from Iowa State University. She married her husband, Joe, whom she met at college, on March 19, 1982. They had four children: Joseph, Andrew, Natalie and James.
Vicki is survived by her husband and their children; 11 grandchildren; her sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers.

Marshal Bradley McManus

Marshal Bradley McManus, 17, died the night of May 3, 2022, as the result of an automobile accident. He was a junior at Dowling Catholic High School. He is survived by parents Jackie and Brad, sister Alyssa, brother Derek, stepmom Kelley McManus, stepsister Dani Hubbard, stepbrother Ryan Hubbard, nephew Jadyn, and grandparents Joy and Ed McManus.
A visitation was Monday, May 9 at Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Ave., Des Moines. A celebration of life followed. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3663 66th St. A lunch followed the service. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Marshal McManus, visit ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Nina Berry

Wanita D. Berry, 71, of Indianola died May 5, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was born in Ottumwa. She married John Edward Berry in 1971, and he preceded her in death in 1979.
A graduate of Cardinal High School, Nina attended Ottumwa Heights College and was a graduate of Simpson College. While in high school, she worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Ottumwa. She had worked in Des Moines at Bankers Trust, at Orchard Place and had been an accountant for Iowa Realty. She attended Indianola First Assembly of God, had been a member of Ottumwa Saddle Club, and operated the SHARE program in Indianola.
Surviving Nina are her daughter, Michelle Berry-Hower; three granddaughters; three sisters; several nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends. Funeral services were Tuesday, May 10, at Reece Funeral Home with burial in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Diann Runciman

Diann Runciman, 71, died May 8, 2022, in Des Moines. Services were Wednesday, May 11 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. She was born in Des Moines and graduated from Indianola High School in 1968. She attended Simpson College before graduating from A.I.B. in Des Moines in 1971. Following graduation, she moved to Arizona and worked for Capital Lumber for many years. She returned to Indianola in 2002.
She is survived by her son, Shawn (Jamie) McCollum; two grandchildren and two siblings. To sign an online condolence, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Charles Kerr

Charles Wendell “Chuck” Kerr, 94, of Indianola died Sunday, May 1, 2022. Services were at First United Methodist Church in Indianola on Friday, May 6. He had four children: Chris Pace, Cindy (Jon) Schuman, Lisa (Steve) Gray and David (Sonya) Kerr; 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Roberta Starry Kerr; three grandchildren, Brian Pace, Michelle Pace and Logan Kerr-Gray; son-in-law, Ed Pace; and four brothers, Ray, Wilson, Gerald and Romeyn Kerr.

Kathleen Rose Tighe

Kathleen Rose Tighe, 74, of Indianola died April 21, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, May 7 at the Christ Apostolic Temple in Des Moines.
Kathleen is survived by her sons, Reggie, Jason and Robert (Resha); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Patricia Loustau, Dennis (Rebecca) Tighe, Connie (Merrill) Schutz and DeDe Klawonn. She was preceded in death by a brother, Terrance Tighe.

Paul Dean Lundberg

Services for Paul Dean Lundberg, 87, who died May 5, 2022, at The Village in Indianola, were held Wednesday, May 11, at the Milo United Methodist Church. Cremation followed. Paul was born at home near Conrad. He attended several county schools and graduated from Green Mountain High School in 1952. He attended William Penn College in Oskaloosa for one year before being inducted into the Army in November 1954.
On Dec. 21, 1955, he married Karen Jo Phelps of Marshalltown. They had two children. She preceded him in death in 1975. Following their marriage, Paul was stationed in Kentucky during his remaining service in the Army and was honorably discharged in November 1956 and served in the reserves until 1962. Paul finished his education following his service and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, with a degree major in music and a minor in biology. He taught in Hartley, Dysart and the Milo area and taught elementary and junior high vocal music for the Southeast Warren Community School District for 16 years. Paul’s junior high choirs were often invited to perform as exhibition for the on-air Bill Riley Show in the 1960s and 1970s.
On Dec. 18, 1976, Paul married Carolyn Arnold Wickett of Milo. After Paul left the teaching profession, Paul and Carolyn opened Lundberg Grocery in Milo. They operated it for 13 years. Paul then sold personal accident insurance for Combined Insurance for 15 years before retiring in 2010.
Paul served as a Boy Scout Master for 13 years, was a 50+ year member of the Milo and Indianola Masonic Lodge and was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron of both the Bethel Chapter in Milo and then the Indianola Chapter.
In his early music days, Paul started a new chorus in Sheldon. He was a member of the Pride of Iowa Barbershop Chorus for 22 years and organized a gospel quartet, The Bandstand Four, in Milo. They won first place at the “Older Iowans Contest” at the Iowa State Fair.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lundberg; son, Steve Lundberg; daughter, Becky Lundberg King; stepchildren, Kevin (Linda) Wickett, Kathy (Rusty) Long and Kristy Wickett Wilson; and other relatives and friends. Visitation was May 10 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.

Koby Dee Clary

Koby Dee Clary, 19, died April 9, 2022. He was born in Des Moines to parents Krey and Deanna and grew up in the town of Liberty Center. Koby graduated from Southeast Warren High School in 2019 at the age of 16, eager to start his adult life. At 17, he enlisted with the Iowa National Guard. He graduated from Basic Training in 2019 from Ft. Jackson, North Carolina. After completing AIT in Ft. Lee, Virginia, he was attached to the 1034th HHC as a 91B, light wheel mechanic. In 2021, he deployed overseas with the 3654th Support Maintenance Company to Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
Koby met the girl who would become his wife at age 15. Angel and Koby were married in 2020. When Angel started college, Koby was eager to join her and start their life, buying his first home at age 18 in Nora Springs.
Koby is survived by his wife; parents; siblings, Derek (Ashley) Hommer and Torie (Remington) Bell; nieces, Kynlee and Paislee; grandmother, Peggy Clary; grandfather, Jim Duncan; parents-in-law, Rusty and Tiffany Beaty; sister-in-law, Randi Beaty; grandmother-in-law, Sue Willoughby; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ruth Joanne Dutcher

Ruth Joanne (Thomas) Dutcher, 93, died April 28, 2022, from complications of Alzheimer’s. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 4 at the United Methodist Church in Indianola, with visitation one hour prior. Ruth was born in Carlisle. She graduated from Carlisle High School in 1946 then enrolled in Simpson College, where she studied music. She then moved to Des Moines and worked for the Credit Bureau. She joined the choir at the Methodist Church and met Herbert Dutcher. They were married on Feb. 3, 1951, and settled in the Beaverdale area. The family moved to Centerville in 1958, Osceola in 1961, then settled in Indianola in 1963. They became members of the United Methodist Church, where Ruth served on committees, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and played in the hand bell choir. Ruth was active in the PTA of Emerson Elementary and served as a leader of the Quadettes 4-H group. Ruth was part of the Red Hat Society, sang with the Indianola Sweet Adelines, and was an active member of the Carlisle Alumni Association.
Ruth worked part time at Bankers Life (now Principal Financial Group) then was hired in 1969 to work at Peoples Trust and Savings Bank. She retired in 1993. Ruth and Herb sold their home in 2019 and moved to Vintage Hills in Indianola. In January, Ruth was moved to the Good Samaritan Care Center.
Survivors include her husband; daughters Claudia (Joe) Tillman, Janet (Allan Fuller) Dutcher and Cyndi Niemeyer; son Dean (Leah Rolan) Dutcher; seven grandchildren 13 great-grandchildren; sister and many nieces and nephews.

Jane Ruby

Elizabeth Jane Ruby, 103, died on May 5, 2022, at Kavanagh House. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Ave. A private family burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. She was born in Mason City and graduated from Rudd High School in 1937, earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) in 1941, a master’s degree in education at Drake University, and post-graduate music studies at the University of Iowa.
Jane had a 42-year career teaching music in Collins, Miles, Leon, Hampton, Fairfield and Des Moines, ending her career as acting associate professor of music education at Drake University. In retirement, Jane was a mentor, accompanist, and arranger for the WDM United Methodist Church Celebration Quartet for more than 19 years. Jane belonged to many organizations including SAI Music Fraternity, Treble Clef, PEO, and was an active member of WDM UMC for more than 40 years. She lived at Scottish Rite Park for 25 years.
She married Lloyd Ruby in 1948, and he preceded her in death in 1995. Jane is survived by six nieces and nephews as well as several great-nieces and nephews.

Evelyn Maxine Morlan

Evelyn Morlan, 97, died May 6, 2022, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines. She was born the daughter of Swedish immigrants in Des Moines. Evelyn was an East High graduate. She worked for Iowa Des Moines Bank for more than 20 years.
She is survived by her son, Robert Morlan, grandchildren Brian and Michael (Lara) Morlan, and her great-grandchildren Violet and Ruby. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Morlan Sr., and her siblings, Robert “R.O.” Oscar, Mildred, Louise and Russell. A private family service was at Glendale Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

James Edward Brown

James “Jim” Edward Brown, 95, died April 23, 2022. He was born in Fort Madison. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a pilot. On Feb. 9, 1951, he married Beverly Brown of Fort Madison, and she joined him at Moffett Airfield in California. Shortly after Beverly’s death in 2017, Jim moved to West Des Moines. He resided at Arbor Springs until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Edwin Clark. He is survived by his nieces and nephew. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter.

Ralph renteria west des moines ia obituary

Ralph Renteria, Sr.

Ralph Renteria Sr., 91, of West Des Moines died on April 27, 2022. Ralph was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota. He was a lifelong resident of Valley Junction. He retired from the Rock Island Railroad and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Surviving are his daughters, Erlinda Renteria and Cynthia Carreras, and son, Ralph Renteria Jr; siblings Robert, John and Rosie; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, and son, Ricky. Private funeral services will be held and burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

George A. Russell III

George A. Russell III, 74, of West Des Moines was born in Boston, Massachusetts. As a son of a Navy officer, he grew up all around the United States, landing in Champaign, Illinois, where he met his bride of 56 years, Patricia (Phillips) Russell. Together Trish and George had three children. In 1970, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois and obtained his professional engineering license. He pursued a career in civil engineering while obtaining his master’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1973. He retired as the vice president of operations and distribution after 25 years at Northern Illinois Water. He went on to become a full-time partner with McClure Engineering Associates, Inc. as their chief water manager for an additional 20 years. George was an active member of Rotary International beginning 1976. He was the president of the Macomb, Illinois, Rotary Club from 2008-2009.
He is survived by his wife; children, Elizabeth Russell-Kittl, George A. Russell IV (Martha) and Abbie Paul (Corey), and many other relatives.
The family will greet friends at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13, in the chapel at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines. A luncheon follows in The Bridge. The service will be live streamed at http://hopeonline.tv/specialevents.

Ferne Elizabeth Olson

Ferne Elizabeth Olson, 98, died May 1, 2022, in West Des Moines. Services were held May 6 at Westover Funeral Home. Burial followed at St. Charles Cemetery in St. Charles. Ferne was born in Truro. She graduated from Truro High School and continued her education at A.I.B. in Des Moines. Ferne served in the U.S. Women’s Marine Corp. Division from 1944-1946. Ferne worked at Iowa Farm Bureau, Standard-Oil Company, and as a secretary at Drake University in the athletics department. She was a former member of Quester Group 57.
After serving in the military, she met Ernest “Ernie” Olson. Together they had three children and raised them in Des Moines. Ferne is survived by her children, Randy C. Olson, Barbara (Mark) Hunget and Richard A. Olson; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and her brother Robert Buchanan.

Jo Ann Gaps

Jo Ann “Jo” Gaps, 91, died April 22, 2022. She will be laid to rest with her husband, Johnny, during a private burial at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Jo was born in Davenport, Oklahoma, to Shirley Barksdale Gibson and Beverly Edward Gibson. She attended the National School of Business and worked at 20th Century Fox in Oklahoma City upon graduation. She and her husband, Air Force Staff Sergeant John “Johnny” Gaps, Jr., were married for 52 years.
Jo and Johnny settled in West Des Moines in 1970. Jo had a career spanning more than 20 years with Northwestern Bell and U.S. West. After retirement, Jo continued to work at various businesses, including Elliott Aviation, and volunteered at schools and other organizations.
Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny, and two sisters. She is survived by her children, Julie Thomasson (Kevin), John Gaps III, and Jeri Williams (Greg); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one sister and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Johnny’s Steakhouse, 6075 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines.

Alice ‘Janet’ Townsend

Jan Townsend, 74, was born in West Des Moines. She graduated from Valley High School in 1956. In 1960, she married Norman Townsend and had three daughters and a stepson. They spent most of their years on a farm near St. Charles. Jan had several office jobs, but the longest one lasted 26 years at Norwest Bank/Wells Fargo.
Jan is survived by her husband of 62 years; daughters, Becky (Britt) Davis, Amy (Brian) Pickering and Chris (Steve) Karpowich; stepson, Norman A. (Susan); eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and sister, Kay (Susie) Fisher. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Jean Harmon. A visitation was held Monday, May 9 at Brooks Funeral Care in Clive. A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, May 10 at West Des Moines Christian Church.

Grace Elizabeth Havens Day

Grace Elizabeth Havens Day (Cook), 91, died May 5, 2022, at Norwalk Nursing and Rehab. Born in Rock Island, Illinois, her family relocated to Des Moines in 1944. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948 and graduated with an associate’s degree from Drake University in 1980. In the summer of 1946, Grace was teaching swim lessons at Ashworth Pool when she met a lifeguard named Warren Ed Havens. They married at Central Presbyterian Church in 1950 and had two children.
She worked for the Iowa Liquor Commission until her first child was born. She returned to the workforce after her children started school and was the manager of The Merry-Go-Round toy store. She managed the Toy Fair toy store for 10 years. She then was recruited to manage the Varsity Cycle and Hobby Shop. She went on to manage the Corwin Cleaners in Beaverdale for several years until she made a career change and went to work for Neff Insurance. Grace founded Havens Tours and Convention Services, operating it until her retirement at age 70.
Grace was a member of several Masonic organizations, a member and past president of the Des Moines Business and Professional Women, and a member of the DSM Convention and Business Bureau, Johnston Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Argon Auxiliary and the Red Hats.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren, in 2001; second husband, Clyde Howard Day, in 2013; brother James; niece Linda; and infant daughter Virginia. She is survived by her children, Cliff (Jodi) Havens and Elizabeth (James) Lee; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held on Tuesday, May 10 at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Online condolences can be expressed at www.IlesCares.com.

Vivian Essick

Vivian Essick of Norwalk died May 5, 2022. She lived in Norwalk and graduated from Norwalk High School in 1948. Vivian met Kenneth Essick and was married in 1949. They raised three daughters. Vivian worked for Central Life and Preferred Risk (GuideOne) and retired in 1988.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband in 2021, parents, three brothers, one sister, and one brother-in-law. She is survived by three daughters: Linda (John) Woollums, Donna (Rick) Bussanmas, and Deb (Pat) Scholer; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at O’Leary Celebration of Life Center in Norwalk on Sunday, May 8, with a funeral on Monday, May 9.

Patricia Winchell

Patricia Winchell, 90, died May 1, 2022, at Southern Hills Specialty Care in Osceola. Private family services will be held later this month. Patricia was born and raised on a farm in rural Norwalk. She moved to Des Moines after marrying Dean Winchell. In 1955, they moved back to Norwalk, and she lived there until moving to the care facility in Osceola.
Patricia is survived by her sons, Rex Winchell and Greg Winchell; daughter, Sheri Winchell; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Ronda Beck; half-sister, Christine Roux; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Winchell.

Patricia Marie Shadle

Patricia Marie Shadle, 86, died May 6, 2022, at Norwalk Nursing Home. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. She is survived by her niece, Jacque (Eric) Schey. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Jack Castelline and Jimmy Shadle; and sister in infancy, Janice Jo Castelline.
Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 11 at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 N.E. 60th Ave., Des Moines. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Martha Jane Becker

Martha Jane Becker, 98, of Norwalk died May 8, 2022. A visitation for Martha will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 13 at the chapel.

Richard Keith Henn

Richard Keith Henn, 79, of Ankeny died April 28, 2022. A celebration of life was held Thursday, May 5 at Ankeny First United Methodist Church, 206 S.W. Walnut St. Richard was born in Belmond and graduated from Belmond High School in 1961. He then went to Drake University in Des Moines where he studied accounting. He married Karen Nielsen in August 1965. He graduated from Drake in 1966 and went to work for John Deere in accounting and computer programming. He was promoted to Deere’s world headquarters in Moline, Illinois, but gave up this position to move his family back to Ankeny where they have lived for more than 50 years.
Richard is survived by his wife of 56 years, Karen; his children, Kimberly (Glenn) Hammer, Kevin (Kylie) Henn and Kyle (Stacy) Henn; grandchildren and siblings.

Jean Annis Knudsen

Jean Annis Knudsen, 95, of Ankeny, died at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines on May 2, 2022. Jean was born in Moravia. She attended community schools in Moravia, graduating in 1943, then attended AIB in Des Moines. She married Al Knudsen in 1946. They had two daughters and two sons. Her husband and son Dennis preceded her in death.
She worked for 40 years before retiring in 1986. During her career, Jean held many positions including secretary at Lutheran Services, secretary at Preferred Risk Insurance Company and office manager at the Iowa Utility Association. Jean was active in numerous organizations throughout her life including St. Mark Church, WDM Women’s Club, Le Cercle d’Amis Sorority and serving as a volunteer at Lutheran Hospital.
She is survived by daughters Jan (Bob) Swanson and Kathy (Dennis) Johnson; son, John (Sabine) Knudsen; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
A private family graveside service was held May 7 at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a later time.

Diana Niccola Piagentini Houge

Diana Niccola Piagentini Houge, 90, of Ankeny died May 3, 2022. Diana was born in Des Moines. A visitation for Diana will be held Tuesday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to noon at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First St., Ankeny, followed by a funeral service at noon. Diana will be laid to rest in Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Marlys Puchta

Marlys Puchta, 93, died on May 4, 2022. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. She is survived by her daughter, Gayle (Charlie) Gorman; son, Bradley (Doreen) Puchta; daughter, Yvette (Kerry) Johnson; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Rev. Judith Ann Short

Rev. Judith Ann Short, 80, died April 29, 2022, at Rock Creek Senior Living in Ankeny. She and her husband lived on the south side of Des Moines for many years, and she continued to live there after his death before moving to her townhouse in Ankeny in July of 2020. Judi was born on July 12, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska. She married James Short on Oct. 5, 1962. She retired in 2000 from the State of Iowa where she worked in the IPERS Department for 39 years. Judi was a member of the Park Avenue Christian Church and, in December of 2012, she was ordained as an independent Christian clergy authorized to perform all ministerial duties.
Judi was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sisters, Irene and Maggie; several family members and loving friends. A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 4 at the Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines. The family respectfully requests no memorials.

Gary Bissig

Gary James Bissig, 34, of Ankeny, died May 4, 2022. He was born in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 2006 and then Iowa State University with an advertising degree in 2011. He married Jacob James McLaughlin on July 10, 2021. He worked for the Hach Company in Ames.
He is survived by his husband, parents, brother Brad (Tara) Bissig, sister Amy (Adam) Pedersen, grandmother, Charlotte Bissig and many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Tuesday, May 10 at First Christian Church in Perry. Burial will be in the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Carris Family Funeral Home & Cremation Care was in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Purdy

Peggy Purdy, 84, died May 4, 2022. A celebration of life service will beheld at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11, also at Memorial Services of Iowa Funeral Home, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny. She was born in Sac City and raised in the Des Moines and Ankeny area. Peggy retired from Ramsey Home after 17 years of service. After retirement, she went to work in the cafeteria at North High School.
Peggy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Don; her daughters, Linda (Joel) Jensen, Donna (Randy) Mulder, Sue (Monte) Roberts and Carla (Jerry) Gumpert; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Doris Mae Smith

Doris Mae Smith, 95, of Ankeny died May 4, 2022. A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 10 at Ankeny Baptist Church. Burial followed at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Doris was born in Coatsville, Missouri. She married Robert Vernon Smith on June 1, 1945. She is survived by two sons, Garry (Shelly) Smith and Greg Smith; a daughter, Vicki Rich; sister, Jeanette Smith; brother, Ronald Childs; eight grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and three great-great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband; son, John Smith; two grandsons; and five siblings.

Leonard Belgarde

Leonard Belgarde, 69, died April 22, 2022, at Azria Health in Winterset. Leonard was born in Dexter. He received his teaching degree and enjoyed his career as a truck driver. He is survived by his brothers, Larry, Howard and Roger; and girlfriend, Dianna Sickles. No services are planned at this time. To send flowers to the family of Leonard, visit caldwellparrish.com.

Agnes Jeanette LaValley

Agnes Jeanette LaValley, 88, died Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. Private inurnment will be held at Dallas Center Cemetery in Dallas Center.
Agnes was born in Woodward. The family moved to rural Dallas Center and later to town where her father worked for Brenton Farms. She graduated from Dallas Center High School. After graduation she lived at Esther Hall in Des Moines and worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone. She married Charles R. LaValley in 1952. They made their home on farms in Granger, Herrold and later in Dallas Center in 1961. They had two children, Linda and Richard.
Agnes worked at Look Magazine in Des Moines, Brenton State Bank in Dallas Center and Agri Grain Marketing in West Des Moines. After retirement she worked at Brandt Funeral Home in Dallas Center.
Her husband preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Linda (Dennis) Shelley and Richard (Linda) LaValley; and many other relatives. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.