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, 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. 

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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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, 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.

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, 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, 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 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, 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.