Mark Steven Soldat, 75, died April 18, 2022, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines. Mark has been cremated per his wishes without any formal viewing. A celebration of his life will be held in July. Mark was born in Webster City. He grew up in Johnston and lived most of his life in in the Des Moines area and the town of Algona. He is survived by his partner, Jeanne Anderson; his two children, Nathan (Sela) Soldat and Jesse Soldat; their mother, Marcia Soldat; and other relatives.
Mark graduated from Johnston High School in 1965. While in high school, he performed in high school theater productions on a regular basis, mainly musicals. He also participated in Summer Operetta Workshop for many summers from its early beginnings in the 1960s. During his senior year, he lived as a foreign exchange student in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which was an experience he would refer to throughout his life.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell University. While a student, he spent a year abroad at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He went on to study Law at Drake University and graduated in 1974. He practiced law in Algona from 1974 to 2003. During that time, he also served as the Kossuth County Attorney. He spent the latter half of his career practicing law in the Des Moines area and was prominent in the field of Workers Compensation Law.
Mark was a founding member of the Iowa Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation Core Group. He argued numerous cases before the Iowa Supreme Court, establishing legal precedent which benefitted injured workers. He actively practiced law and tried cases for 47 years (1974 through 2021).
Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. 

Dorothy Francis Abbott, 96, died Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Good Samaritan Center in Indianola following a stroke. Dorothy lived in Des Moines and attended Lincoln High School where she met her future husband, Darrell. They were married on June 27, 1945, and shared 63 years together. Dorothy was a homemaker throughout her life.
Dorothy is survived by her daughters, Debra (Michael Jr.) Marasco, Cynthia (Brian) Freeman and Kim Silver (Dennis Streyffeler), and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Abbott.
Visitation was April 25 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. 

Services for George Henry Lawler, 97, who died Tuesday, April 19 at The Village in Indianola, were April 25 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial at the Belmont Cemetery, Milo. George grew up on a farm on the Warren/Lucas County line. He graduated from Chariton High School in 1942. He was drafted into the Army in 1945 and served stateside at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. On July 27, 1947, George married Nina Verlee Milleson at the Milo Christian Union Church.
They moved to the “South Farm” where they lived and farmed for 13 years. In 1960, the family moved to Indianola. George worked at Electrical Engineering & Equipment and then Herman M. Brown Heavy Equipment as an electrician. In 1971, George missed the farm so much, they bought an 80-acre farm northeast of Milo. They lived there until moving to Indianola in 1998. A year and a half ago, they moved to the Village.
George was a charter member of the Indianola Christian Union Church and a long-time member of the Milo American Legion. He is survived by his wife, Nina Lawler; children, Roger (Loraine) Lawler, Anna Miller, Sidney (Lora) Lawler, and Jim (Kristen) Lawler; and many other relatives.
Visitation was April 24 at Overton Funeral Home. 

Marjorie Johnston, 84, died April 17, 2022. She was born in Washington State. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church, 1700 W. Second Ave., Indianola.
Marjorie graduated from East High School in 1955 then studied nursing at Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. After graduating with a degree in nursing, she started her first job at Methodist Hospital of Des Moines as an emergency room and intensive care unit nurse, kickstarting a 45-year career in nursing and nursing home administration. In 1956, Marjorie met Larry Johnston. The had two children, Larry and Karla. In 1983, Marjorie retired and spent her time continuing to take care of the elderly and other persons in need, and enjoying her friends and family.
Marjorie was predeceased by her husband, Larry. She is survived by her son, Larry; daughter, Karla (Miles); and many other relatives. 

Celebration of Life services for Alice Jean Brito, 65, who died Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at home, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 28 at Indianola Grace Evangelical Free Church.
Alice is survived by her siblings, Pamela (Karl) Bachof, Cathi (Bing) Hagen, Melody (Greg) Allsup, Bob (Brenda) Cooper, and Roger (Teri) Cooper; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Betty Cooper and brother Raymond Cooper Jr. To sign an online condolence, visit www.overtonfunerals.com. 

James Melvin Jolly, 85, of Ankeny, died April 18, 2022, at Independence Village in Waukee of natural causes. He was born in Stuart. The family moved to Des Moines where Jim graduated from Roosevelt High School. He worked 44 years at John Deere Ankeny as a production scheduler, retiring in 2000. He took pride in the fact he only missed one day of work during his entire career.
Services were Wednesday, April 27, at Westover Chapel in Des Moines.

Ralph Eugene Hoksbergen, 87, died April 21, 2022. Ralph attended country school near Harvey and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1953. He received his bachelor’s degree from William Penn and his master’s degree from Drake University in economics. He spent his career with the State of Iowa in the Workforce Development division where he worked as an actuary. In addition, he was an entrepreneur and developed several businesses. He met his wife, Lois Laymiller, at William Penn and they married in 1962, making their home near Alleman and then Ankeny where they continued to reside. They had three children, Jana Kray (Ed Stubbbs), Laura Hickman, and Randy (Kallie). His wife and children survive him,
He was a member of the Reformed Church of America, the Gideons, Fellowship of Christian Farmers, the Northside Senior Center, and the Elks Lodge. He helped build a Christian secondary school in Liberia and served as president of its board. He taught Bible studies throughout his life
A funeral service was held on Wednesday, April 27 at Prairie Ridge Church in Ankeny.

Roberta Lou (Benbow) Starr, 91, died on April 18, 2022. She was born in Boone County and grew up on homesteads near Madrid, Rippey and Luther. Roberta met Bill Starr in the summer of 1946 in California. After she graduated from Luther High School in 1948, she moved to California and they were married in 1949. Roberta and Bill returned to Iowa in 1950.  Bill joined the Iowa Highway Patrol in 1953. They lived in La Porte City until 1966 then relocated to Ankeny where Roberta has lived for 56 years. Bill preceded her in death.
Roberta was a homemaker and worked at Heartland AEA when her children were older. 
She is survived by her children, Randy (Terri) Starr, Denny (Susan) Starr, Kathy (Steve) Peters, and Scott Starr; and numerous other relatives. A private family funeral will be held. 

Paul Thomas Riggs, 82, of Ankeny died Wednesday April 13, 2022, at MercyOne in Des Moines of natural causes. He was born in Waterloo and attended St. John’s grade school and then East High School. Following high school, he was employed at Waterloo John Deere Tractor Works, retiring after 30 years. While employed at John Deere, he was active in the UAW and employee assistance program. After retirement, he worked at The Hilton Garden Inn in Des Moines doing maintenance and airport shuttle transportation.
Paul married Michalle Sulentic in 1962. They had four children and later divorced. He later married Laurie Math, and they had two children. They later divorced.
While living in Waterloo, he was a member of The Knights of Columbus and was active in the local Boy Scouts of America. He attended St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Waterloo and went on several mission trips to their sister parish in Mississippi.
Paul is survived by his children: Scott (Dr. Sheila) Riggs, Daniel (Rebekah) Riggs, Robert (Sandy) Riggs, Nicole (Dr. Charles) Pruchno, and Colin and Carson Riggs; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Per his wishes, Paul was cremated. There will be a private celebration of life later this summer. 

Raymond James Hardy, 90, a mechanic for Winterset Community Schools and long-time resident of Winterset, died at home following a brief illness on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Private family services will be held at a later date.
He had a passion for his antique cars and participated in the Winterset Covered Bridge Festival’s parade every year since 1983. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 54 years and was active in the Church Men’s Group. He also served on the Cemetery Board. He was a cattle and grain farmer.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Joan Powell Hardy; his children, Dianna (Rodney) Wallace, Rick (Carol) Hardy, Alan (Linda) Powell, and Steven Powell; and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by daughter, Nanette Hardy Caswell; son, Terry Powell; and grandson, Scott Roby. 

Michael Andrew Gardner, 73, died on April 18, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He graduated from East Greene High School in 1967 where he was active in baseball, basketball, football and chorus. After graduation, he attended Boone Junior College. He later received a bachelor’s degree from Marycrest College. On Aug. 15, 1969, he married Nancy Peterson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson.
Mike worked at Juhl Feed Store in Dana and the Greene County REC as a lineman. He was also a part-time member of the Iowa Army National Guard. In 1975, they moved to rural Jefferson where they lived for 18 years. He raised hogs on the acreage. He was active in Little League, serving as coach, umpire and board member. He was an active member and usher at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1991, he began full-time work for the Iowa Army National Guard and moved to Johnston in 1993 where he continued his successful military career.
Mike served his State and Nation in the Iowa Army National Guard for more than 42 years, retiring as a colonel on March 1, 2011. During his long career, Mike served in a number of important assignments, including: company commander, battalion commander, counterdrug coordinator, chief of staff and United States Property and Fiscal officer. Mike received many awards and decorations, including: the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. During his extensive service, Mike was also awarded a host of service medals. After his retirement, Mike continued to serve the State of Iowa in the Iowa Department of Public Defense as the state comptroller.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Andy Gardner (Lisa); daughter, Amy Timmerman (Doug); mother, Delite Monahan; and many other relatives.

Fred C. Pilcher, 87, died Easter Sunday morning, April 17, 2022. A memorial service was held at Iles Westover Chapel on April 21. Private interment was at Glendale Cemetery.
Fred was born in Denison. He met Cherrel Buffington while growing up in the same neighborhood, and they were married 54 years. They had three sons. He worked at John Deere as a welder and drill press operator until he retired in 1998.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cherrel, and daughter-in-law Jenni Pilcher. He is survived by his sons, Fred Jr., Ted (Lori) and Dan; and many other relatives. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. 

Sister Mary Hilary Veith, CHM, 96, died April 20, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston. Memorial services were held April 25 at Bishop Drumm Our Lady of Peace Chapel and at Humility of Mary Center, Davenport. On April 26, a vigil service was held at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery on the Indian Hills campus.
Mary Elizabeth Veith was born in Keokuk. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary in 1955 and professed vows in 1958.
Sister began her service caring for children at the Christ Child Home in Des Moines in 1958 but turned instead to a life of volunteer ministry serving the isolated. She described her work as visiting the shut-ins, including “people who are confined to their own homes, the nursing homes, and the jail,” but also learned sign language and transcribed books into Braille, opening communication with those whose isolation was not physical, but sensory.
S. Mary Hilary was certified as a Volunteer Braille Transcriber by the Library of Congress in 1975. Her outreach ministries earned awards and recognition both at the local and state level. She was awarded the Ottumwa Good Samaritan award in 1972, multiple certificates of appreciation from the Iowa Department for the Blind, the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1990, and a Certificate of Recognition from the State of Iowa in 2004. The most telling of her awards, however, may be the 1978 Human Relations award bestowed by the First United Methodist Church in Ottumwa, which declared Sister to be “one to whom Christian ethics are practice, not theory.” She is survived by many nieces and nephews as well as her CHM religious community. 

Dr. Marion Anthony Romitti, 88, of Altoona, died Monday, April 18, 2022, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 26 at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 405 Gerald St., Madrid. Burial arrangements are pending.
Marion was born in Madrid and graduated with the Madrid High School Class of 1951. Marion worked locally until being drafted into the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and serving as an “Atomic Veteran” during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge, he used the GI Bill to attend Drake University.
In 1959 Marion received his bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in biology and later received his master’s degree in guidance counseling, both from Drake University. He worked at Firestone during college.
A skilled baseball player, Marion was a four-year Drake baseball letterman and named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Baseball team. He was also named to the Drake University Baseball Team of the Century. In 1961, he began working as a teacher-counselor at Twin Cedars in Bussey. In 1964, he went to work at Centerville Community College, now Indian Hills Community College, for nine years. He married Linda Heithoff on May 15, 1965, in Manning. He returned to Madrid in 1973 to assume the role of superintendent of Madrid Community Schools. He continued his education at Drake and received his doctorate in educational administration in 1975. He retired on June 30, 1998, after 25 years in that position.
Romitti provided decades of active service to his church, school and community. Some highlights included: Madrid Library Board, parish director for St. Malachy Catholic Church, Madrid Lions Club past president and member of the Vittoria Lodge.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Barry Romitti (Yvonne) and Marty Romitti (Angil); and other relatives.

Richard Dean Talley, 89, died at Altoona Nursing and Rehab on Friday, April 15, 2022. He was born in Des Moines and graduated from Des Moines Tech High School in 1951. Richard married his wife of 65 years, Arlene Carlson, on Nov. 30, 1956. He was a Marine veteran. He was a member of Altoona Regular Baptist Church and a member of the Des Moines Coin Club.
Richard is survived by his wife, Arlene Talley; children and their spouses, Kevin Talley (Robin) and Kendra Buchanan; and many other relatives.
Services were held at Altoona Regular Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 20.

Dorthy “Dotti” M. Tyler Reames, 99, of Adel died April 16, 202. She was born on Jan. 12, 1923, to Charles Tyler and Daisy Fox Tyler. Dotti was Las known as “Noody,” a nickname she eared growing up. She was the sixth child of 10 born to Charlie and Daisy. On July 5, 1939 she married Cedric A. Reames. They had three sons, Cedric “Ted” Jr., Timothy and Sean. Ced and Dotti were married 56 years. She was a devoted wife, mother and nanny to many children.
Dorthy is survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters; her husband, Cedric; sons Cedric “Ted” Jr., Tim and Sean Reames Sr.; grandsons Sean Jr and Curtis Reames; granddaughter Hannah Reames Miller; and great-grandson Jacob Reames.

Ronald Gene Cooley, 84, of Urbandale, died April 14, 2022, at his home in Urbandale. He was born in Sioux City. He lived in California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nevada and Washington State before moving back to Iowa.
Ron is survived by his wife, Linda; four daughters, Ronda (Jim) Davis, Lisa (Daryl) Stevens, Gina (Mike) Duncan and Jennifer (Jim) Hibbert; two sons, Craig Cooley and Mark Cooley; two step-daughters, Rhonda Wick and Sheila Wick; and one step-son, David (Sharon) Wick; and many other relatives.
A memorial service was held April 20 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Richard William Mosher Jr., 74, died Sunday, April 17, 2022, at his home. Services were April 21 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines with burial following at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge.
Richard was born in Fort Dodge. He attended Fort Dodge High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and attained the rank of corporal during the Vietnam war. Richard was awarded various medals for his service. Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a union carpenter and for the USPS as a mail carrier, retiring from both. He was a member of the Baldwin Paterson American Legion Post #274 and Beaver Creek Golf Course.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Patty; daughter, Janeen; three grandsons, JJ (Haley), Noah, and Cael Micka; granddaughter, Regan Hage; and great grandson, Liam.

Lula Pauline (Paulie) Salisbury, 97, died April 14, 2022, in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held Friday, April 22 at 11 a.m. at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, Eighth and Grand, West Des Moines.
She was born in Nevada. She spent most of her childhood in Jefferson, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1942. After graduating from high school, Paulie moved to Des Moines to study music at Drake University. While studying there, she played French horn in what was then known as the Drake/Des Moines Symphony. It was in the symphony that she met Allen Salisbury, who also played French horn. They married on June 10, 1950, and made their first home in Des Moines. They adopted four children: Allen Reid, Laurie Beth, Katherine Ann, and Paul James. After several years living in Sioux City, in 1961 the family moved to West Des Moines. Paulie lived in the same house until her passing.
She was active in her music sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota, Treble Clef Club, La Sertima, Clef and Drama and PEO. The Salisburys were members of the West Des Moines United Methodist Church where Paulie sang in the choir and was a founding member of the church’s first bell choir, Bell Messengers. She also played in the brass group at the church well into her early 80s. She served in many volunteer leadership positions at the church and helped count money every Monday morning.
Paulie was preceded in death by her husband, Allen, and her son, Allen. She is survived by her remaining children, Laurie Meyer (Mark Jones), Kathy Salisbury and Paul (Tina) Salisbury; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Wilma L. Carter, 92, died Monday April 11, 2022, at Morningstar assisted living in West Des Moines. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 25 at the Blair Chapel Cemetery in Madison County. She was born in Cora, Missouri. She worked for the Des Moines school district for many years.
Wilma is survived by her husband, Albert, of West Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her son, Roger. 

Cierra Marie Knox, 29, died April 8, 2022. Services were held April 16 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway. She was born in Minneapolis to Kelli Knox and Russell Hyatt. She graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines.
She is survived by her mother, Kelli; her grandfather, Harold; her children, Aiyana Marie and Grayson William; her aunt, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Connie, and her father, Russell.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Karma Darlene Wilkinson, 88, died April 16, 2022. She was born near Milo and graduated from Beech High School in 1952. She met her husband. Gordon J. Wilkinson, at Milo United Methodist Church, and they were married May 17, 1952. They had 65 years together. Karma retired from McCoy True Value in Indianola after 24 years. Karma was an active member of the Indianola Regular Baptist Church until health problems prevented her from attending.
Surviving are three children, Katherine (Dan) Stutsman, Gary (Marcie) Wilkinson, and Kayla (Scott) Sieloff; five grandchildren; and other relatives. Karma was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Wilkinson, and son, Gary Wilkinson.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 25, at Indianola Regular Baptist Church. Visitation will be held 5-8 p.m., Sunday, April 24 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial will follow in the Indianola IOOF Cemetery. 

Coleen Anne Labertew, 76, died Friday, April 15, 2022, after a lengthy battle with dementia at the Glen Oaks Nursing Home in Urbandale. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Indianola First Assembly of God Church with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Max Labertew; sons, Joel (Angela) Labertew and Daniel (Amber) Labertew; six grandchildren; and other relatives.
After graduation from high school, Coleen attended beauty school and worked in Indianola until beginning her family in the early 1970s. She delivered Meals on Wheels in the community and wrote the monthly “Senior Treasures” column in Indianola’s City Gate newsletter. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Overton Funeral Home with family present from 6-8 p.m. 

Jean (Ethel Jean) Mullen, 95, died April 14, 2022, at Sunnyview Care Center in Ankeny. Funeral services were April 19 at Ankeny Funeral Home. Jean was born in Hawarden, Saskatchewan, Canada. The family moved to Agency where Jean graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1943. She received her teaching certificate and taught at the Wapello County Rural Schools. On May 30, 1948, she married Ralph Mullen. Jean worked at the Agency Post Office for many years. They then moved to Des Moines. Jean worked at Younkers, The Boy Scouts of America, Osco Drug and Target.
Jean was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed being the coordinator for weddings at the church, assuring everything went according to plan. After Ralph died in 1996, she moved to AHEPA Senior Apartments Ankeny in 2010. In October of 2021, she moved to Sunnyview Care Center in Ankeny.
She is survived by her children, Rick (Mary) Mullen, Keith (Tamie) Mullen and Sue McCracken (Jay Gordon); and many other relatives.

Jordan Michael Berry, 29, died on April 11, 2022. He was born in Des Moines, grew up in Ankeny, graduated from Ankeny High School, and later became a forklift driver. He grew up playing basketball, skateboarding, playing video games and hanging out with his friends. Jordan enjoyed computer science.
In 2012, Jordan welcomed his son, Javen, into the world. That day was the happiest day of his life with a smile from ear to ear. Once old enough, Jordan taught Javen how to play basketball, skateboard, play pool and play video games. Jordan volunteered as a youth basketball coach for his son’s team. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching the kids new skills and watching them develop through the season.
Jordan is survived by his son, Javen Berry; mother, Janice Berry-Pinegar; step-father, Matt Pinegar; sister, Paige Pinegar; and many other family members. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A Facebook page will be created and called “Jordan Berry Celebration.” Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Marjorie Rohlf, 88, died Monday, April 11, 2022, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. Mass of Christian burial was Monday, April 18 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. The Catholic Daughters recited the Rosary. Online condolences may be shared at ouellettefuneralandcremationcare.com.
Marjorie graduated from St. Cecelia’s Academy as the class valedictorian in 1951. She was a faithful member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church where she served as an organist for many years. She also served as an organist at St. Mary – Holy Cross Parish. Marj was a true advocate for people with intellectual disabilities and worked as an aid on a school bus caring for handicapped children in Ankeny.
Marjorie is survived by her son, Michael (Kimberly) Rohlf, and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Rohlf; daughter, Vicki Hutchins; son, Kenneth Rohlf; and son, Brian Rohlf.

Irving H. Egeland, 85, of Ankeny, died April 7, 2022. Visitation will be held at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home, 4208 N. Ankeny Boulevard, on Wednesday, April 20 from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held on April 21 at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home. Burial for Irv and his wife, Sarah, will be at a later date. The memorial service will be live streamed at vimeo.com/698744739.
Irving Halvor Egeland was born in rural Garden City. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, also in rural Garden City. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny, was head usher there for many years, and ushered elsewhere throughout his life.
In 1942, the Egeland family moved to their farm near Randall. Irv graduated from Randall High School in 1954, where he played basketball and baseball and was president of his senior class. He attended the Iowa State Teacher’s College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa, and graduated in 1959 with a degree in science. Additionally, he acquired 30 hours of post-graduate courses. He served in the Army Reserves and Air National Guard for six years. He taught and coached at Ogden, Southeast Polk, Iowa Falls, Rockwell City and Gowrie. In 1981, he became a sales representative with The Vernon Company; he became district manager in 1988. He was on their scholarship committee for 20 years. Irv retired in 2004 but returned part-time for a few years at the company’s request. Irv enjoyed playing in men’s softball leagues, as catcher, for Jewell, Boone, Stanhope, Roland and Cooper town teams.
On Feb. 14, 1970, Irv and Sarah (Furman) Hovland were married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. To this union one daughter, Anne, was born. Along with children Mark, Michele and Kathleen, the family lived in several Iowa towns, including Ankeny, Rockwell City, Jewell and Iowa Falls.
Preceding Irv in death were his wife, Sarah, and son, Mark. He is survived by three daughters, Michele (Reginald) Richardson, Kathleen Hovland, and Anne (Tom) Owens, and other relatives. 

Dixie Lee Bardwell, 89, of Winterset, died Thursday, April 14, 2022, at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in West Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 21 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, April 22, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Union Chapel Cemetery, St. Charles. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Dixie was born in Des Moines. She married Robert Bardwell on June 19, 1954, at Christ the King Church in Des Moines. They raised eight children. He preceded her in death.
At a young age, Dixie worked as a bookkeeper at an office in Des Moines. She was a psychic and used her gifts to improve the lives of clients, both personally and professionally. She worked for many attorneys as a trial consultant and consulted with law enforcement as well, aiding detectives in solving cases and in finding missing people. She lectured across Iowa on psychic phenomena and the power of the mind and was a regular guest on WHO Radio.
She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of the Winterset Art Center and was an Apple Tree Club actress.
Dixie is survived by her children, Kermit “Vince” Bardwell, Cinda (Elton) Root, Sheila (Eric) Garner, Julie (Harold) Forsyth, Cheryl (Joseph) Kurimski, Robert “Mike” (Carrie), Patrick Bardwell, and Oliver (Carrie) Bardwell; brother, Conrad Cleghorn; 28 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. 

Alice Joann Lemon, 86, of Winterset, died Friday, April 15, 2022, at Azria Health in Winterset. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 21 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Hebron Cemetery.
She was born in Orient and was a graduate of Macksburg High School in 1953. On April 28, 1955, she married James Lemon, who preceded her in death. Over the years, she worked on the kitchen staff at the nursing home, at the Hilton Hotel on the south side of Des Moines, and at Capital City Fruit.
She is survived by her five children, Jimmy (Teresa) Lemon, Anita Allen, Jeanie (Lester) Purscell, Robin (Dale) Danielson, and Kevin (Julie) Lemon; brother, Bill Pettit; sister, Janice Fisher; nine grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Steven Lewis Slauson, 70, died Tuesday, April 12, 2022. He was born in Des Moines. In 1971, he enlisted in the Army for seven years and enlisted in the Air National Guard for another 15 years. While in the military, he worked several jobs as a truck driver and retired from Orr Trucking in 2013.
Steve is survived by his wife, Mary Slauson; children Trisha Slauson (Michael Forret) and Chad Slauson (Jena Slauson); grandchildren Clark, Cora, Isabella, Jadyn, Elliott and Dane; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held at Iles Funeral Homes Brandt in Dallas Center on Tuesday, April 19 from 5-7 p.m. The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Grimes on Wednesday, April 20 at 10 a.m., with burial to follow. There will be a luncheon afterwards at the church. 

Robert “Bob” Dunaway, 77, of Altoona, died April 11, 2022. As per his wishes, his remains have been cremated.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 4 from 2-5 p.m. at Terrace Hills Golf Course, 8700 N.E. 46th Ave., Altoona. Bob is survived by his wife, Marvel; his children Lynne (Gary) Thornton, Brad (Lisa), and Jenni (Peter) Grandgeorge; stepchildren Sarah Gillaspie (Sone Lovan) and Garth Gillaspie; and other relatives. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy (Tool) Dunaway in 1981.
Bob enjoyed his work as a writer, photographer and editor for Wallaces Farmer magazine for 18 years, a columnist for Iowa Farmer Today for nearly 20 years, and helping many Iowa farmers plan their estates for tax savings and business continuation. His favorite work was his volunteer work, mostly through the Kiwanis service organization, having a positive impact on children’s lives.

Nancy Margaret Correy, 89, died Thursday, April 7, 2022. Visitation was Tuesday, April 12 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines followed by the rosary. Funeral mass was Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.
Nancy was born in Sigourney. She graduated from Immaculata High School in Detroit, Michigan, in 1950. Following graduation, Nancy relocated to California where she met Maurice Correy, and they began their 60-year marriage in 1954. Nancy valued service to others as shown through her volunteer work at Mercy Hospital, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and many other charitable organizations throughout her life.
Nancy is survived by her three sons, Chris, Tim and David Correy; daughter Colleen Carter (Richard White); and other relatives.

Claudine Allison, 84, died April 13, 2022. She was born in Panora. Claudine graduated from North High School in 1955 and remained a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She worked for the City of Des Moines where she later retired. She was also active throughout her life in the Reunion Committee.
She is survived by her children, Doug (Wendy) Shelledy and Dina (Bill) Gray; step-children, Craig and Kent Allison; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gene; daughter, Kimberly; son, David; and granddaughter, Katelyn.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 18, at 9 a.m. with a service to follow at 10:00 a.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. Burial will follow the service at Pine Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. 

Robert Charles Kuefner, Sr., 81, died April 8, 2022. Services will be held Monday, April 18 at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 N.W. Aurora Ave. in Urbandale with visitation one hour prior. The service will be livestreamed. Burial will follow at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes. Bob spent his career in the finance industry including Capital City Bank and Brenton Bank. In his free time, Bob was active in his investment club, golf, and was a member of the Greater Des Moines Bowling Association, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and a former member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; children, Scott (Tracy) Leonard, Rob (Amy) Kuefner, and Barbara Thompson; and many other family members and friends.

Albert Leroy McFarland, Jr., 75, died April 8, 2022. Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation on Thursday, April 14, from 1-6 p.m., and the funeral service will be on Friday, April 15, noon. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Leroy was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He married Debbie Gibson on July 18, 1969, in Maine. Leroy owned and operated MAC Asphalt in Urbandale. He enjoyed watching Western movies, watching and playing golf, fishing, working, keeping things clean, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie; sons, Carl (Amanda) McFarland, Shayne (Jamie) McFarland, and Tim (Margaret) McFarland; and many other relatives. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. 

Robert Eugene Peers, 83, died March 27, 2022, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. Bob was born in Stuart and grew up in the Valley Junction area of West Des Moines. He graduated from Valley High School in 1956 where he participated in football, basketball and track. While at Valley, he met Charlene. They were married on May 2, 1959, and shared 52 years together. He started his career in sales before finding his true passion in home building and remodeling. Bob and Charlene’s second home was at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where they welcomed and entertained family and friends for more than 25 years. Charlene preceded him in death.
Bob is survived by his three children, Steve (Cheryl) Peers, Kathleen (Terry) Janssen and David (Tracy) Peers, and other relatives. A visitation was held Saturday, April 9, at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines, followed by a memorial service. A private family burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. 

Richard “Dick” Martin Lester, 82, was born in Washington Township Sept. 5, 1939, and died at MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care on April 2, 2022. Visitation was April 7 at Ernst Funeral Home, Waukee. A funeral service was April 8 at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines. Interment was at the Glendale Cemetery.
Richard “Dick” graduated from East High School in 1958. He served in the Air National Guard. He worked for Westinghouse, ABB, and Willis and Hummel Nissan car dealerships. He enjoyed his time in the Polk County Reserves Sheriff’s Department and retired after 24 years of service, which included many years as the chief. He received the Richard Rewaj Distinguished Reserve Officer of the Year Award in 1986. Dick was actively involved in the East High School Band Boosters from 1982-1986 and served as the Band Booster Club president from 1985-1986.
Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jean Lester (2018). He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughters Rachon (Duane) Miller and Nicole (Joe) Lester-Ekis; and many other relatives.

Chris Spanos, 88, died on April 9, 2022. Chris was born in Filiatra Messinias, Greece. He immigrated to the United States in 1950, where he served in the U.S. Army in Germany. He returned to Des Moines and became a successful businessman, owning and operating multiple restaurants in the Des Moines area. He never forgot his roots and the call to help others, especially other immigrants from his home country of Greece. He was an active member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Des Moines and a lifelong member of the fraternal organization of Ahepa.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Yon Ae, and other relatives. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at Iles Westover Chapel. A Trisagion service will begin at 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 15, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 35th St., Des Moines. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.

Frances Favaro Ulrich, 85, died April 8, 2022, at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines. Fran was born March 12, 1937, in Des Moines. She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School, graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954 and Americana School of Beauty in 1955. She worked as a beautician for Tony Francios and then taught at Americana School of Beauty and Sal’s Beauty School. In the 1960s, she opened Johnny’s Hall of Fame in Des Moines with her husband. This was the first sports bar in Iowa. They eventually sold the bar in 2006. In the 1970s, she was part owner of the River Queen in Des Moines. In the 1980s, she was owner of Fran’s Place in Des Moines.
She married John Ulrich on Nov. 4, 1964, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, of which she was a member. She was a seven-time club champion at Echo Valley Golf Course and a two-time club champion at Indian Springs Golf Course in La Quinta, California.
Fran is survived by her husband, John, and many other relatives. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in May. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. 

Travis John Hamilton Neff, 42, died April 2, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A funeral was held April 7 at Brooks Funeral Care in Clive. Travis was born in Des Moines. He graduated from Urbandale High School and attended DMACC. He was a third-generation Boy Scout.
He is survived by his daughter, Payton Neff; mother, Sheila Neff (Kim Niles); and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond John Neff. 

Mark Dean Hannam, Sr., 61, of West Des Moines, died Friday, April 8, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born in Des Moines. After he graduated from Urbandale High School in 1978, he worked at American National Can for 20 years. This led Mark to build a business, Container Round-Up, with his father. He owned and operated it for many years before retiring.
Mark is survived by his four children, Jessica (Brendin) Hinman, Joslyn (Charles) Hannam, Mark Hannam, Jr., and Mikayla Hannam, and many other relatives. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.