Iowa Living Magazines

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.

Aime Jo Beeks

Aime Jo Beeks, 52, daughter and step-daughter of Marilyn and Duane Long and the late Douglas H. Beeks, died May 4, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice House in Johnston. She was born in Bethany, Missouri, and is survived by her brother Dr. Duane Long, Jr. and step-sisters Lisa Mickels, Monica Gillenwater and Lorida Boyle and families.
Aime graduated from Urbandale High School, Ellsworth Community College, and Iowa State University. She served 11 years in the U.S. Army, seven of those on active duty as a mental health specialist. She was employed by Cintas First Aid and Safety in Grimes for 21 years. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at Urbandale United Church of Christ, 3530 70th St.

Mickey Lee Secory

Mickey Lee Secory, 63, died April 23, 2022, at Perry Lutheran Home in Perry. The family received friends May 7 at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. Mickey was born in Mason City. He married Laura in 1990, and they enjoyed 26 years.
Mick worked as a regional manager for USIC for 10 years and in the industry for 20 years. Mick is survived by the mother of his children, Laura (Scott) McAtee; children, Matt (Shayla Christensen) Secory, Paulina (Chace) Chambers, and Nick Secory; and grandchildren, Landon, Jaxon and Mila Secory.

Robert N. ‘Bob’ McClelland

Robert “Bob” McClelland, 87, died May 3, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and was stationed in San Diego. He worked for John Deere Manufacturing, retiring after 30 years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; son, Kirk (Terri); grandchildren, Rustin, Sarah, Mariah (Cherie), and Matthew (Jeni); five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Douglas (Lori) McClelland; and siblings, Jimmy McClelland and Dorothy Moore.
Private family services were held at Warren Powers Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Wanda J. Smoldt

Wanda J Smoldt, 85, died April 27, 2022, in Urbandale after a long struggle with dementia. Wanda was born in Beatrice, Nebraska, and was a resident of Urbandale for the past 53 years. She married her husband, Richard, in 1954 and was married to him for 67 years. Together they have five children.
Wanda is survived by her husband, Richard Smoldt; five children, Doug (Gloria), Terri (Richard) Zimmerman, Scott Smoldt, Curt (Leeann), Jyl (Mike) Wyckoff; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. There will be a family-only graveside service.

Eugene Charles Kragenbrink

Eugene Charles Kragenbrink, 86, died April 23, 2022. A memorial service was held Friday, April 29 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny. Burial was at Highland Memory Gardens. A full obituary is available at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Karen M. Pauly

Karen M. Pauly, 80, died Sunday, April 24, 2022. She married Michael Pauly on June 17, 1961, and settled in as wife, mother and homemaker. For awhile, she worked in the editorial department at The Des Moines Register.
She is survived by her husband, Mike; children, Lisa (Mitch) Hushak, Lonnie (Dallas) Palmer, Steven (Patty) and Marshall (Kate); and other relatives. A full obituary is available at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Beverly A. Long

Beverly A. Long, 89, of Polk City, died Friday, April 22, 2022, at Senior Suites of Urbandale. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 30 at Memorial Services of Iowa. Burial followed at Lincoln Cemetery in Alleman.
Bev was born in Seneca. She was married to Charles (Chuck) Long on June 7, 1953, in Des Moines. She was a retired U.S. Postal Service employee. She is survived by her four children, Mark “Jed” (Teri) Long, Ric (Elaine) Long, Dianne (Scott) Elsasser and Sherri Lane, and other relatives. Her husband preceded her in death.

Royce Thompson

Royce Thompson, 73, died Saturday, April 23, 2022 at home. He was born in Buffalo Center, graduated from Elmore (Minnesota) High School and attended Luther College in Decorah. Following careers in law enforcement and EMS, he returned to school and graduated from Control Data Institute in Minneapolis. He spent the next 21 years working as a copier service technician, retiring in 2005. Royce married Susan Siekmann on May 22, 1971. They had one daughter, Beth, who lives in Indianola. Both are surviving.
Royce and Susan retired to a small acreage, where they maintained a large vegetable garden, restored prairie and tended flowerbeds. When not working in their yard, Royce enjoyed fishing and woodworking.
A celebration of life service was held Friday, April 29 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Indianola.

Jimmy Dale Dixon

Jimmy Dale Dixon, 81, died April 21, 2022, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service celebrating the lives of Jimmy and his late wife, Gladys, was held April 30 at The Village in Indianola.
He was born in Davis County, graduated from Bloomfield High School and received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Iowa State University. He married Gladys Toyne on Nov. 30, 1968, in Boxholm. They lived on a farm in Davis County and welcomed their son Dan in 1971. They briefly lived in Illinois for three years before moving to Norwalk in 1979. Besides being a farmer and involved in the farming industry, Jimmy also prepared taxes for H&R Block for 16 years. He enjoyed being a member of the Norwalk Lions Club and the Norwalk United Methodist Church.
Jimmy is survived by his son, Dan (Chris) Dixon of Norwalk, as well as his grandsons Braydyn and Hunter.

Roberta Lois Fry

Roberta Lois Fry, 78, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at home. A celebration of life was held April 30 at the American Legion Post #165 in Indianola. She is survived by her husband, Lon Fry; children, Mike (Debbie) Fry, Tammy (Mike) Thuney, Londa (Chris) Hodson and Lorrie Fry; and many other relatives and friends.

John Earl Hausafus

John Earl Hausafus, 75, of West Des Moines, died Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. John was born in Marshalltown. A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 3 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in West Des Moines.
John graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. After completing his service, he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture at Iowa State University of Science and Technology, where he met his wife, Cheryl Olmstead. The couple married in 1973 and had a son and a daughter.
John was a licensed architect and project manager in the Des Moines area. He established Hausafus & Associates, Architects where he worked until his retirement. He was a member of American Institute of Architects, American Society for Testing and Materials, and was active at many leadership roles for Construction Specifications Institute. John often volunteered his time and skills to help others and the community.
John is survived by his wife, Cheryl; children Michael (Mackenzie) Hausafus and Tara (Erik) Hoadley; and other relatives and friends. To leave a condolence, visit www.IlesCares.com.

Wayne Eldon Nichols

Wayne Nichols, 95, died on April 25, 2022, at Pine Acres in West Des Moines. He was born in State Center. Wayne served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Iowa. Wayne married Thelma Partridge on Sept. 23, 1945, and together they raised four children. In 1974, Wayne founded Nichols Controls and Supply. He spent his career in the HVAC business.
Wayne is survived by his children, Richard (Paula) Nichols, Ronald (Bettye) Nichols, Eldon (Patty) Nichols, and Mary (Paul) Hendricksen; and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held April 30 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens with burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Bradford J. Tangeman

Bradford John Tangeman, 67, of West Des Moines, died Saturday, April 23, 2022. Brad was born in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He is survived by his sons Steve, Adam (Liz), and Brady and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Urbandale Avenue on Saturday, April 30. A full obituary is available online at www.ilescares.com.

Kathy Cacciatore

Kathy Cacciatore, 57, died on April 24, 2022, in West Des Moines. Kathleen Ann Peterson Cacciatore was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was raised in West Des Moines. She graduated from Valley High School in 1982 and attended Iowa Central Community College before accepting a position as a dental assistant at Dental Associates and later with Drs. Jim Boltz and Clayton Linquist — a career that spanned more than three decades. Her favorite part of being a dental assistant was making patients feel special and comfortable and comforting those who were anxious.
On Aug. 4, 2012, she married Jim Cacciatore in Cambridge. They made their home in West Des Moines in the West Park neighborhood. She was a member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Jim; her parents, Rae Ann and Dave Claussen, and father, Larry Peterson; her sons, Alex and Matthew Nelson; her grandson, Cody Nelson; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life service was held at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church on Friday, April 29. For full obituary, search online for Iles Funeral Home - Westover Chapel.

Owen Lynn Knapp

Owen Lynn Knapp, 70, of West Des Moines died Oct. 24, 2021, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Following high school graduation in 1969, Owen graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in journalism and Spanish in 1973. He managed a KFC restaurant for some years before flowing into a career as a DJ on southeastern Iowa radio stations. He later became a news reporter, news director and a sales representative and copy writer. He also joined TCI Cable as a CSR in Iowa City in 1985 and in Des Moines at Mediacom.
After moving to Des Moines in 1996, Owen’s skills and recognition kept him on the go. Outside of work, he served as a Right to Read volunteer. He helped adults in multiple subjects and also for graduation preparation examinations. When he was living in Iowa City in the past, he was a regular blood donor.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Cheri Knapp, various cousins, and friends and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lorin. A visitation/luncheon will be held May 28 at Windsor Presbyterian Church, 6301 University Ave., Windsor Heights, at 11:30 a.m., so come share your memories.

Robert stander west des moines ia obituary

Robert Oren Stander

Robert Oren Stander, 94, died on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at home. Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Burial followed at Resthaven Cemetery. Bob was born in Chapman, Nebraska. He graduated from Northeast Wesleyan and the University of Nebraska. On April 19, 1949, he married Marcella G. Delaere. Bob was a teacher, volleyball coach, principal and superintendent. He made a career change to the insurance industry and retired as a district manager for Travelers Insurance. Bob was a member of Sacred Heart Church, the Traditional Choir, SH Guys Luncheon, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Theta Chi Fraternity, and the St. Serra Club of Des Moines. Bob was a Founding Grand Knight of Sacred Heart and was a Fourth-Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne (Steve) Peglow and Sheila Stander, and siblings Sara (Gareld) Wulf, Carol (Ed) Franco, and Charles Stander. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella, and sons Robert Jr. and Stephen.

Bonnie Jean Christensen

Bonnie Jean Christensen, 87, died April 28, 2022, in West Des Moines. She was born on June 26, 1934, in Atlantic. Memorial services were held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, on Wednesday, May 4 at 6 p.m. with visitation prior from 4-6 p.m. Burial and graveside service will be in Atlantic at a later date.
Bonnie graduated from Massena High School in 1952 and was employed at several businesses in Atlantic before moving to Des Moines in 1959. She worked for National Travelers Life Insurance Company in Des Moines until she retired in 1996.
Bonnie was a charter member of the Greater Des Moines Volkssport Association. She and her friend, Ardith, completed sanctioned Volkssport walks in 32 different countries. Bonnie was a longtime member of Adair United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She also attended Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines. She was a member of the Scandinavian Club and the North of Grand Neighborhood Association. She was a loyal and committed volunteer for the BloodCenter of Central Iowa and the Salisbury House.
Bonnie attended the annual hot air balloon events in Indianola for many years. She and Ardith befriended a hot air balloon pilot and his wife and joined their “chase crew.” She had a huge collection of hot air balloon memorabilia.
Bonnie is survived by her sister, Joyce Nalevanko; sister-in-law, Sharon Christensen; brother-in-law, Dick Hudson; friend, Ardith Ortgies of Des Moines; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Della Hudson, and brother, Lynn Christensen. Condolences may be expressed at HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Carolyn Mae Hyslope

Carolyn Hyslope, 80, died Monday, April 25, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. She was born in Winterset and attended Notre Dame Catholic High School for Girls in Omaha, Nebraska. She is survived by her daughters Cindy Hyslope and Sandy (John) Swanson and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hyslope.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, May 3 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, followed by burial at St. John’s Cemetery in Cumming. Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Roger Frederick Miller

Roger Frederick Miller, 71, died April 18, 2022. He was born in Galesburg, Illinois. He attended Drake University and majored in religion. He attended Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, graduating with a master of divinity degree. The subject of his thesis was humor in the church.
Roger is survived by his wife, Evie (Caskey); daughter Sarah (Miller) Schuller (Jeremy); son, Seth R. Miller; and other relatives.
According to his wishes, Roger was cremated. A celebration of life was held April 29 at Norwalk Christian Church.

Nancy C. Laughlin

Nancy C. Laughlin 77, died Friday, April 22, 2022, at her home in Norwalk following a lengthy illness. Memorial services were April 26 at St. Paul’s Lutheran & Presbyterian Church, Rockwell City. Burial was at Rosehill Cemetery, Rockwell City.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Dynette (Shel) Jones, Dawn (Rodney Lehman) Sherman and Deanna (Trevor) Gingrich, and other relatives.

Kelly Sue Payne

Kelly Sue Payne, 62, of Winterset died at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines. She was born in Winterset and graduated from Winterset High School. She attended Simpson College and Mercy College of Health Sciences.
She married Larry Johnston in 1976, and they had three sons: Klint (Shauna) Johnston, Nicholas (Cheyenne) Johnston, and Ahren Joseph “Joey” Johnston; and daughter, Lucy Jo. She later married Jeff Towle, who proceeded her in death.
She enjoyed working for 25 years in the dental field. She later returned to college to obtain a certificate as a RPSGT (Registered Polysomnographic Technologist in sleep medicine). She enjoyed mentoring elementary-age children, teaching Sunday school and working with toddlers at the Jerimiah Program in Minneapolis.
Kelly is survived by, in addition to her sons, first husband, Larry, and her mother, Enolia Payne-Buck; among other relatives. Besides her husband, Jeffrey Towle, she was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth O. Payne. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Ernest William Brandt

Ernest “Ernie” William Brandt, 92, of Ankeny and formerly of Waverly, died Monday, April 25, 2022. A funeral service was held Monday, May 2 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny. A graveside service was held May 3 at Harlington Cemetery in Waverly.
Ernest was born in Bremer County. He married Verna Blockhus on Aug. 27, 1950.
Ernest attended Jefferson Township No. 2 School through eighth grade and graduated from Waverly High School in 1947. He then attended the Radio and Television Institute in Omaha and received his First Class Federal Communications Commission license. He used his degree from 1948-1950 at Radio Station KDEC and KWDC in Decorah. From 1950-1960 he farmed by Bremer, and, from 1960-1966, he was a member of the Waverly Police Department. He later worked at Lutheran Mutual Life Insurance Company, receiving the FLM designation in 1977. He retired on Jan. 1, 1992. His public service continued when he served as commander of the Waverly Police Reserves and the Civil Service Commission from 1982-2017.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Verna; two daughters, Roxanne (Marty) Rathje and Susan (Jim) Twedt; and other relatives.

Kay E. (DuCharme) Mueller

Kay E. (DuCharme) Mueller, 81, of Ankeny, died Monday, April 25, 2022, at Sunny View Care Center. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 6 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 S.E. Sharon Drive, in Ankeny. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 a.m., prior to the service.
She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Mark Mueller; her four children, Lauri (Jeff) Wagaman, Kristi (Bill) Bennett, Cathy (Paul) Boenitz and Dave Mueller; and many other friends and family.

David M. Stout

David Miles Stout, 71, of Ankeny died Jan. 21, 2021, at home after a brief but fierce battle with metastatic melanoma. A celebration of life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 at Memorial Services of Iowa, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., with a time of sharing at 5:15 p.m.
David is survived by his wife, Lynhon Stout; daughter, Jennifer (Roni) Stout; grandchildren, Jack and Olivia Kagan; brother, Harry (Mern) Stout; nieces, nephews and loving friends. A full obituary is online at www.AnkenyMemorial.com.

John Harold Christl

John Harold Christl, 82, died Saturday, April 9, 2022, in Des Moines. John was born in Glendale, California. In 1942, the family moved to Porterville, California, where he graduated from Porterville High School in 1957.
He served in the U.S. Navy. While home on leave, he met Joanie and they married in 1962. John worked for Raytheon in Southern California and then at Pt. Mugu Pacific Missile Range. He later worked in the mobile home industry, which took the family from Texas to Idaho and Kansas. He later started his own business, All-American Tire & Auto Repair, which he owned and operated for 43 years in Gardnerville, Nevada. He owned his own Cessna 210 and fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a private pilot.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanie; daughter Jori Halbirt (Mike); sons, John Christl (Robyn), Steve Christl (Colleen), and Michael Christl; and other relatives.
A viewing was held at Myers Funeral Service in Porterville, California, on May 3. Funeral services followed at St. Anne’s Catholic Church there with graveside service at Vandalia Cemetery.

Mildred Gardner

Mildred Gardner, 92, died April 27, 2022. She was born in Marshalltown where she graduated high school in 1947. Forsaking a scholarship to Iowa State University, she married Leon L. Gardner after graduation. In 1960, the family moved to Des Moines. After being a “stay at home mom” for some years, she worked for Look Magazine and later for Deluxe Check Printers where she stayed for 24 years before retiring in 1992.
Mildred joined Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in 1958 in Marshalltown and served in many capacities. After moving to Des Moines, she joined a newcomers bridge club which stayed together until they couldn’t get a fourth. A life-long Lutheran, she and Leon were most recently members of Hope Lutheran Church in Johnston.
Her husband, Leon, preceded her in death. She is survived by sons Michael (LaNell), Stephen and Mark (JoNell); and many other relatives.

Dennis Allers

Dennis Allers died suddenly while on his bucket list fishing trip at Lake Fork, Texas, on April 13, 2022, at the age of 44. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 22 at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Private family burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery in Menlo. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamiliyfuneralhome.com.

Jillian Magrane Blair

Jillian Magrane Blair, 17, was born in Des Moines to Michael and Amy (Ward) Blair. Jillian was the youngest of three girls and lived in the Des Moines area and Johnston.
Jillian was in her junior year at Johnston High School where her favorite subject was art. Jillian aspired to be a fashion designer. She worked part-time at the Johnston Hy-Vee Floral Department. Jillian loved “sister time” when she and her sisters, Rosie and Catey, would take drives to Saylorville, listen to music in the car, and eat ice cream on the way. They all enjoyed playing together with their pets, watching anime, and creating art together.
On Thursday, April 21, 2022, Jillian collapsed from a genetic heart condition diagnosed a month before.
Jillian is survived by her parents, Michael and Amy Blair of Johnston; her sisters, Rosie and Catey Blair, at home; her grandparents, Steve and Debbie Blair of Altoona; her dog Vinnie, cat Marshall, her best friend and partner in crime Macy Severs; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leo and Rita Ward.
A celebration of life was held April 28 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway. She was laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose.

Carolyn Bristow

Carolyn Bristow, 74, of Johnston died from cancer on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at MercyOne Johnston Hospice House. Edith Carolyn Mohler Bristow was born in Knoxville. She grew up in Dunreath in rural Marion County. She was a lifelong member of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as Community of Christ. She attended White Walnut Country School in Dunreath until fifth grade, then went to Monroe Community School, graduating in 1965. She and her sister were both active in 4-H and Carolyn also sang in the high school girls’ glee club. She continued her education at Graceland College in Lamoni for one year before attending Cliff Mann Floral School in Denver, Colorado, where she studied floral design.
Her first job was at Codner’s Roosevelt Florist from 1966 through 1980. During that time, she met Larry Wayne Bristow, who worked at a barber shop just a few doors down in the Roosevelt Shopping Center. They were married April 4, 1981. They were married nine years before Larry’s death in 1990.
Carolyn worked for a short time at Valley Florist in West Des Moines and then Kaler-Wade Greenhouse in Des Moines. In 1983, she began employment with Boesen the Florist, where she worked until her retirement in 2012.
Carolyn is survived by her sister, Judy Mohler, with whom she spent much time; step-daughter, Wende (Jay) Bristow Barrett; step-son, Matthew Bristow; and other relatives and friends. Her funeral service was April 30 at Monroe Community of Christ. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery. Coburn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dana Sue Steelman

Dana Sue Steelman, 57, formerly of Adel and Rochester, Minnesota, died on April 20, 2022. She was born in Des Moines and graduated in 1982 from Adel-De Soto High School. Her earlier years were spent in Adel, where she grew up surrounded by family. After graduation, she worked in retail and waitressing and remained in the Adel area.
On May 17, 1985, Dana was in an automobile accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. It was this event that led her to relocate to Rochester, Minnesota, where she met her husband, Pat Chase. In late 2019, Dana moved back to Iowa.
She was preceded in death by dear friend Jay Bettis and her husband, Pat. She is survived by her mother, Kay Struble of Adel; dad, Gary Steelman of Adel; sister, Deb Tomlinson (Bill) of West Des Moines; brother, Dennis Steelman of Adel; sister, Jodi Selby (Scott) of Adel; sister, Lynette Ryan of Golden, Colorado; and brother, Tim Yates of Adel; along with three nephews, six nieces, and two great-nieces.

Nora Mae Sellers

Nora Mae Sellers, 3, died on April 20, 2022, at home with her family after a 21-month-long battle with brain and spine cancer. Nora was a combination of sweet and sassy and loved by all. She enjoyed playing with babies, eating pink doughnuts, going for airplane rides, going shopping, getting pink drinks from Starbucks, playing with Play Dough, and watching all kinds of videos on her iPad.
Nora is survived by her parents, Mitch and Lexi; her older brother, Graham; grandparents Gary and Elaine; grandparents Wyndham and Nancy; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family held a celebration of life April 23 at Glynn Village Clubhouse. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Carol Ann Neal

Carol Ann Neal, 80, died Friday, April 22, 2022, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Services will be held on 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Westover Funeral Home.
She was born in Northwood, attended school in Northwood, and married Jon James Neal Sept. 11, 1960, in Des Moines. Jon and Carol spent much of their married life in or around Granger, raising their two children, Mike and Susie, there. She had many jobs in her working life, but her most beloved were her jobs for Woodward-Granger Schools, working for Jon, and her most recent jobs at Earl May Garden Center and Hy-Vee. She enjoyed the people she worked with and the fun she had doing what she loved.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Susie (Jim) Nicholson; daughter-in-law, Teresa Neal; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jon, and her son, Michael.

Richard ‘Dick’ Schmitz

Richard Roy Schmitz, 84, died at his Waukee home on April 22, 2022. Dick was born in Waterloo. He married Melva Buttgen on Aug. 12, 1961. Dick worked at Kent Feeds in Waterloo and Altoona for his entire career.
He is survived by his wife, Melva; their four children, Kelly/Brian Glassmaker, Sue Barnes, Mike/Amy and John/Erica; and numerous other relatives. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Rex Staub

Rex Staub, 59, died April 24, 2022, at his home in Urbandale. He was born in Seattle, Washington. The family moved to Danville in 1968. Rex graduated from Danville High School in 1981. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history from Simpson College in 1985. He was both a high school and collegiate athlete.
Rex attended the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Program in Ft. Rucker, Alabama, in 1986. He then attended Drake University Law School and received his Juris Doctorate in 1990. During that time, he was a cadet in the Drake Army ROTC. Rex joined the U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps in 1990, where he was a captain advocate officer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During this time, he was the sole U.S. Army Defense Council in the Multi-National UN Task Force deployed to Somalia from November 1993 to April 1994. He was honorably discharged in 1994. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1998 to 2010 as a major judge advocate officer at Fort Dodge. He received numerous meritorious accommodation awards. After leaving active duty, he was an associate attorney at Bradshaw Law Offices in Des Moines. He then worked as a claims attorney for Continental Western Group and Allied Insurance Company. He was currently a logistic coordinator at XPO Logistics. He was a coach and board director of Urbandale Youth Sports Organization for 16 years. He was a volunteer at West Des Moines Elks Lodge #2752.
He is survived by the love of his life, Kathy Peterson, and children Nicholas (Allison), Kelsey, and Michael.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 30 at 3 p.m. at the West Des Moines Elks Lodge, 2060 N.W. 94th St., Clive. Inurnment will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery Tuesday, May 3 at 12:30 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.

Thelma ‘Connie’ Constance Stevens

Connie Stevens, 98, died at Suncrest Hospice on Friday, April 15, 2022. She was born in Des Moines and a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She married Charles Arnold Stevens. She was employed in the patient accounts department for Iowa Lutheran Hospital during her working years.
She is survived by her son, Jim Stevens; daughter-in-law, Shelia Stevens; and many other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; son, Ron Stevens; and daughter-in-law, Connie Stevens. A visitation was held April 20 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home. Graveside services were held at Glendale Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Janet Stafford

Janet Stafford, 84, died Friday, April 15, 2022, at Edencrest of Beaverdale. She was a long-time resident of Urbandale. A former elementary teacher, she took a break from teaching to raise her family and then resumed her passion for teaching as the director and teacher of Little Lambs Preschool at Mount Olive Lutheran Church and School in Des Moines and served as a volunteer. She was active in Luther Care Services, Luther Park Auxiliary, and the church women’s groups, including LWML. Janet enjoyed making quilts for World Relief.
Janet’s family includes three daughters, Mary and (David) Nunez, Sara Stafford, and Heidi (Jeff) Rains, and three grandsons. Her husband, Rodney, preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 29, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. The burial will be in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. For a complete obituary, visit langkampfuneralchapel.com.

Darla Grace Wahl

Darla Grace Wahl, 88, died April 20, 2022, after a brief illness. A celebration of life was held Tuesday at MDRC at The Bridge in Johnston. Burial followed at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes. Darla was born on Mother’s Day in rural Stratford. She moved to Boone and graduated from Boone Senior High School in 1951. Upon graduation she worked at Fisher Shoes and later at Priebe Hatchery. On Aug. 3, 1958, she married George Wahl. They moved to Urbandale in 1960. She was a teacher associate at Olmsted Elementary and an active member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church since 1965.
She is survived by her husband, George; daughters Lisa (Jeff) Damman and Debbie (Steve) Simpson; and numerous other relatives. Online condolences can be expressed at IlesCares.com.

Donna Miller

Donna Mae Miller, 87, died April 16, 2022, at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. Donna Hughes was born in Given. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1953. On June 26, 1953, she married Richard Jones. Following his death in 1977, Donna married Donald Miller in 1985.
Donna had a long career in banking, working for many years at Plaza State Bank in Urbandale. In 1985, she moved to Emily, Minnesota, and worked at the Pine River State Bank. Following Don’s death in 2001, she moved to Urbandale and worked for the State of Iowa.
She was preceded in death by son Raymond J. Jones and husbands Richard and Don. She is survived by two children, William Jones (Susan) and Kimberly Ori (Don); daughter-in-law Joan Jones; and other relatives.
A visitation was held April 25 at Iles Westover Funeral Home with private burial services following.

Mark Steven Soldat

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

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.

George Henry Lawler

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.