Iowa Living Magazines

Robert Samuel Stucker

Robert Samuel Stucker was born Oct. 11, 1918, on his parents’ family farm in Ellis County, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bishop High School in 1936, where he excelled academically and was also an avid chorus member. He returned to the farm until he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 at the age of 23. He spent three years during WWII driving ambulances in northern Africa. Upon discharge, he went back to farming with his dad.
He married his wife, Florence, Jan. 17, 1946. After farming together for a few years, he worked with seismography, handling dynamite and helping to find oil. In 1950, he began working for the Michigan Wisconsin Pipeline Company in Guymon, Oklahoma, and completed his 30-year career with them in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He retired in 1980. Their son and only child, Virgil, was born in 1952.
During retirement, Robert and Florence volunteered with their son and his family, helping in nonprofit programs for people with mental illness and with caring for and playing with their young grandchildren. The lived in Maine and Michigan before retiring to Adel in 1995 to be near Florence’s family.
Robert is survived by his wife of 76 years, Florence Marie Stucker (Bowles); son Virgil and wife Elisabeth, and their four children, Dominic, Christoph, Heidi and Stephanie and their spouses, Esme, Sarah, Sutton and Matthew, and by eight great grandchildren, Belle, Moira, Tiegen, Maddox, Olivia, Rebekah, Eliana, and Cass (and soon a ninth).
A funeral service was set at First United Methodist Church in Adel on Friday, March 4, 2022, with burial following. A full obituary is online at at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Rev. David Lee Carscadden

Rev. David Lee Carscadden, 67, of Adel, died unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and later adopted by Ralph Carscadden. In 1973, David met the love of his life, Sherrie. Married in 1974, they had two children, Jeremiah and Joshua.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Ross, and his birth father, Dale Shepherd. He is survived by his father, Ralph (Fay); his wife, Sherrie; sons Jeremiah (Alexis) and Joshua (Jennifer); granddaughters Kendall and Adelina; brothers Timothy (Susan) and Jay (Jessica); and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life service was held March 2 at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel.

Betty Bohall

Betty Bohall, 78, died Feb. 25, 2022. She married the love her of her life, Richard, on Feb. 25, 1961. She is survived by her children, Shelly (Jeff) James, Kim Porter, Jeff (Jean) Bohall; grandchildren Jorden, Sarah, Aaron, Jason; great-grandchildren Camdyn, William, Audrey, Logan, Conner and Jackson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; daughter Julie; grandson Chris; and brother Marvin.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022, from noon to 2 p.m. with a service to follow at 2 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home McCalley Chapel. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.

Steve Greenslade

Steve Greenslade died surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 26 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines after a hard fought 4.5-year battle with glioblastoma. He was born on Jan. 20, 1953, in Winterset. They lived in Peru and then moved to Adel where he attended school. He was part of the Adel class of 1971. He met the love of his life, Marcia Aldrich, in 1979. They raised six children and enjoyed 43 years with each other.
He began working for his parents’ service station, Harvey’s Uptown DX. He continued the family business under the name of Steve’s Uptown Repair when Harvey passed away in 1992.
Steve is survived by his wife, Marcia, and his children, Bret Greenslade, Nick and Shelby Greenslade, Kim and Jesse Wyckoff, Lindsay and Brian Koons, and Justin and Barb Greenslade; grandchildren Jake (Unique), Kolby (Megan), Luke, Raquel, Hunter, Chloe, Maleah, Cooper, Kelsey, Titan, Lyla, Avery, Jadyn and Hannah,; great-grandchildren, Jace, Laykin, Kipton and Korver; his brother, Jim (Joy) Greenslade, and sister, Sharon (Bud) Bryant; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews and his cat who took special care of him, Elle.
Funeral services were March 3 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel, A full obituary is online at at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Daniel ‘Dan’ Walker Smith

Daniel “Dan” Walker Smith, 90, died Feb. 25, 2022, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He resided at Ramsey Village, Des Moines, for the past 2.5 years and in Urbandale prior to that for more than 50 years.
He was born in Des Moines and graduated from North Des Moines High School in 1949. He graduated in 1955 from Drake University with business and law degrees.
Following college, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1957. Dan married Lois Grace Gooder Nov. 25, 1954, and they spent 61 years together before her death in 2016.
Dan began a life-long career in 1957 with Bankers Life Company, now Principal Financial Group, where he held a number of positions in the individual insurance department, including second vice president-Financial Planning Support. He retired from the home office in 1992 and began a second career as an attorney and consultant in Principal Financial Group’s Des Moines Agency and Midwest Region Business Center until retiring in January 2019. He was a member of the Iowa and Polk County Bar Associations, a Chartered Life Underwriter, a Chartered Financial Consultant, and a Certified Financial Planner. He was also a long-time member of the Central Iowa Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals. He was a member of the First Christian Church.
He is survived by his children, David D. Smith (Florie), Gregory G. Smith (Janet), Bradley B. Smith (Rebecca ), and Marsha M. Sassatelli (Mark), and many other family and friends.
Funeral services were March 2 at Iles Westover Chapel. Private burial was at Glendale Cemetery.

Peggy Joy Rhiner

Peggy Joy Rhiner, 86, died Feb. 21, 2022. Funeral services were Feb. 28 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines with burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. For the full obituary, visit www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.

Kenneth Allen Miller, Sr.

Kenneth Allen Miller, Sr., 79, died Feb. 18, 2022. He was born in Des Moines and lived most of his life in West Des Moines. He graduated from Valley High School in 1961 and received his bachelor’s degree from Drake University in elementary education, graduating cum laude. He also received two masters degrees in elementary and secondary administration.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966, serving in Vietnam as a warhead missile specialist. After receiving his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Des Moines. He married Billie Jean Eubanks in 1967 and they had a son, Kenneth II.
He taught for many years at Moore Elementary and Hoyt Middle School. He retired from the Des Moines School District as a vice principal at East High School. He was also the dean of students and the girls swimming, diving and track coach at Hoover High School. Ken supervised students for the school district’s New Horizon Program during the summer. For many years, he was an evening supervisor for children’s programs at the Willkie House. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8879 and American Legion Post 620 in West Des Moines, Friendship Force of Greater Des Moines, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Mu Omicron and the Clarke County Old Iron Club.
His wife, son, and other relatives and friends survive. A homegoing celebration was held Feb. 26 at Corinthian Baptist Church. Entombment with military honors was at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines.

Sandra Lois (Kline) Land

Sandra Lois (Kline) Land, 86, died at Edgewater on Feb. 20, 2022. She had been a resident there for 11 years. A funeral service was Feb. 24 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home. Burial was at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. She was born in Des Moines and graduated from Charles City High School. She moved to Des Moines in 1953. She married Melvin Land and lived in Windsor Heights, where her children grew up.
Sandra was involved in her children’s activities. She was member of Hadassah and Temple B’nai Jeshuran. She helped manage the family-owned Sandra Apartments.
She is survived by her children, Mike Land, Linda Lazar (Mark), and Nancy Ahrens (John), and other relatives and friends. A full obituary is online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Betty Holwegner

Betty Marion Clark Holwegner died peacefully with family holding her hand Feb. 25, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Des Moines. She was born in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Wheaton High School in Wheaton, Maryland in 1957. She attended Washington Hospital Center School of Nursing in Washington, D.C. and graduated June 10, 1960 with her registered nurse certification. She completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at South Dakota State University College of Nursing in 1966.
Betty married Leonard James Holwegner on Sept. 21, 1963, in Wheaton, Maryland. After her husband graduated from South Dakota State University, they moved to Washington, Iowa, where they raised their children, James McNeil and Jeannette Renee. They divorced in 1985.
She worked as a private duty nurse, a public school nurse, director of Halcyon House Retirement Center in Washington, Iowa, and a nurse at Washington County Hospital. Her last position was health facility surveyor for the State of Iowa in Des Moines. She retired in 2002 to care of her mother until she passed in 2006.
She was a member of the Urbandale Garden Club and Des Moines Audubon Society. She volunteered as a bluebird monitor and was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church where she helped with church events.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 5, at noon at New Hope United Methodist Church, 4525 Beaver Ave., Des Moines.

Kent William Ford

Kent William Ford, 54, died Feb. 20, 2022, in Des Moines. Services were Feb. 25 at Dunn’s Funeral Home. He was born in Dubuque and married Carol (Byrnes) Ford on Aug. 1, 1992, in Mount Vernon. They had two children, Amber and Kaitlyn.
Kent worked as a truck driver. He also liked to cook and went to school for culinary arts. He is survived by his wife and children, along with many other friends and family. A full obituary is online at IlesCares.com.

Carol Sue (Bickford) Harwood

Carol Sue (Bickford) Harwood, 73, of Indianola died Feb. 22, 2022, at home surrounded by family. She was born in Leon and graduated from Eagleville High School in 1965. She worked for Heska Corp in Des Moines, where she retired.
She is survived by her husband, Larry; children, Shelley Glick, Sheldon Hutchison (Alecia), Andrea Harl (Darin), Benjamin Harwood (Cara) and Clinton Harwood; and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at later date. A full obituary is online at www.overtonfunerals.com.

Cheryl ‘Cherie’ Faktor

A celebration of life service for Cheryl “Cherie” Faktor, 63, who died Feb. 23, 2022, in Des Moines, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 4, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. The family requests those in attendance dress casually.
Cherie married Mark on Oct. 12, 1991 and was a full-time mother to their children, Brandon and Dillon. She created her own small business, selling a line of goat’s milk products she made from the goats she raised and milked each season. She also created wool products from the many different fiber animals she raised and sheared, often spinning her own yarn. She donated time and resources to no-kill shelters and helped educate others on pet care and breed knowledge. Cherie was a veterinarian technician and dog groomer for many years. She was also a recurring judge for the cat show at the Iowa State Fair. She is survived by her husband, sons, and other relatives and friends.
A full obituary is online at www.overtonfunerals.com.

Rebecca Ann Wright Elbert

Rebecca Ann Wright Elbert, 67, died Feb. 18, 2022. Becky was raised on a farm east of Milo. She graduated high school from Southeast Warren, then received her associate’s degree from DMACC. She worked in Indianola where she met and married her husband of 37 years, Tim Elbert.
She is survived by her husband, Tim Elbert of Skiatook, Oklahoma; children, Randi (Grant) Marshall, Mitch (Chelsea) Elbert, and Ethan Elbert; and other relatives and friends. A funeral mass was held Feb. 26 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola.

Elizabeth “Liz” Parr

Elizabeth “Liz” Parr, 79, died Feb. 22, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Memorial Services of Iowa, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd.
Her family lived in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, then Port Huron, Michigan, where she graduated high school from Port Huron Catholic High School in 1960. The next year, her family moved to Marshalltown, where she met the love of her life, Steve Parr. Liz graduated from Marshalltown Community College in 1962. Liz and Steve married on May 1, 1965, and had two children, Jenny and Dave Parr. She worked for Boss Van Lines, Welcome Wagon, and she sold Avon. When her children were older, she worked as a secretary for the Marshalltown Area Catholic Schools for 14 years. In 1989, she went to work in administration for the Iowa Department of Transportation in Ames, where she eventually retired from in 2004.
In August 1992, Steve got a promotion with his job and they moved to Boone, where they resided for the next 20 years. After her children were grown, Liz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in May 1997 from Iowa State University. She continued her education, taking graduate-level classes and enrolling in the culinary program at DMACC. Long after retirement, Liz and Steve moved to Ankeny
She often volunteered her time for Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa at the Boone retail store, for Iowa Public Radio/Television, and anything her kids were involved with including Little League and Boy and Girl Scouts.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Steve; children Jenny Parr of Lawrence, Kansas, and Dave (Shelbe) Parr of Ankeny, and other relatives and friends.

Dr. Ollie J Weigel

Dr. Ollie J Weigel, 99, died Feb. 23, 2022, at his home in Ankeny. A funeral service was held Wednesday, March 2 at Ankeny First United Methodist Church with burial immediately following at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
He married Mary Kathryn Finnegan on June 3, 1944. He was a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Force from 1943 to 1945 in the European Theatre of Operations. He was also a lifetime member of the American Legion.
After serving in the military, Ollie attended Simpson College for his undergraduate degree and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Iowa in 1951.
The family moved to Ankeny in 1951 where he opened a dental office and owned and worked there until he retired in 1994. Many patients knew him as Dr. Ollie. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association and Des Moines District Dental Association.
Dr. Ollie was very active in the Ankeny Community. He was a member of the Lions International Club (1951-1994), member of the Board of Adjustment (1953-1958), charter member of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce for life and president in 1953 and 1970, member of the Ankeny Planning and Zoning Commission (1953-1965), member of the Ankeny City Council (1966-1973), president of Central Iowa Regional Governments in 1978, chairman of Mid Iowa Association Local Governments in 1983, member of the Des Moines Area Metro Forum (1985-1993), member emeritus for the Des Moines Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board in 1993, member of the foundation board of On With Life (1994-2000), member of the Advisory Directors Board for Brenton Bank of Ankeny (1994-2000), member of the Metro Planning Organization (1995-2000), president of the League of Iowa Municipalities (1996-1997), member of the Board of Directors for Neveln Resource Center (1996-2000), member of the Polk County Aviation Authority (2001-2003), member of the Ankeny Community School District Foundation Board of Directors and named to the Hall of Fame in 2007, and a lifetime member of the Ankeny Industrial Development Board.
Dr. Ollie was also a member of the Ankeny City Council from 1966-1973 and went on to become Mayor of Ankeny from 1974-1994. During that time, he won the Outstanding Citizen of Ankeny Award in 1976 and 1993, and was named to the Mayor’s Hall of Fame from 1993-1996.
As mayor, he was very involved with the growth of Ankeny, helping to bring Des Moines Area Community College, On With Life, the airport, and many other businesses to the city.
Dr. Ollie was preceded in death by his wife, Mary K. (Finnegan) Weigel. He is survived by his children, Dr. John (Karla) Weigel, Marilyn Weigel, Larry (Kathy Mamanos) Weigel, and Sue (Dan) Hagan and many other family and friends. n

Sally Oldham

Sally Oldham, 73, of Winterset, died Feb. 22, 2022, after living with Alzheimer’s for many years. She graduated from Winterset High School in 1966 and attended Lindenwood College before graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1970. After college, Sally lived in Europe for several months before returning to teach high school speech/drama and English in Rake then at Southeast Warren in Liberty Center. On Feb. 2, 1974, Sally married David Oldham at the Chesnut family home in Winterset. David and Sally had two children, Courtney and Zachary.
Sally spent many years staying home in Des Moines with her children. During that time, she was a Campfire leader, started a cooking co-op with two friends, helped with the family-owned rental properties, worked part-time at the P.E.O. Executive Office, and sold wedding invitations out of her home. In 1995, the family moved from Des Moines to Sally’s childhood home in Winterset. Sally tutored at the elementary school and worked as the tour organizer/director at Union State Bank for 13 years before retiring in 2013. While working at the bank, she organized too many trips to count and traveled the world. Sally also held positions on the Winterset Library Board and the Madison County Historical Society Board. She was an active member of P.E.O. both in Des Moines (Chapter LS) and Winterset (Chapter AG), holding officer positions in both chapters. She was also a member of Progressive Study Club and Madison County Antique Club in Winterset. Sally loved Winterset, and, in 2001, she received the Citizen of the Year award.
She is survived by her husband, David, of Winterset; her children, Courtney (Rob) Rose of Urbandale and Zach of Des Moines; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation is Thursday, March 3, 4-7 p.m. at Caldwell-Parrish Funeral Home - Winterset Chapel, 1823 N. John Wayne Dr. Celebration of Life is at 11 a.m. Friday, March 4, also at Caldwell-Parrish Funeral Home. A full obituary is available online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Aria Lane Arrington

Aria Lane Arrington, 10 days old, died Feb. 23, 2022. Her name means “Lioness” and “A Melody.” She is survived by her parents, Ryan and Abigail. Funeral service was held Feb. 28 at New Bridge Church in Winterset. Burial followed in the Winterset Cemetery. A full obituary is available online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jane Morgan

Jane Morgan, 77, of Johnston, died on Feb. 21, 2022, of natural causes. She grew up in the Des Moines area and graduated from St. John’s High School in 1962 and Mercy School of Nursing in 1965. Jane married Ronald Morgan in 1968 and worked as a nurse for many years. She and Ron had three children: Michael, Joseph and Juliane. Ron preceded her in death.
After retiring from nursing, Jane worked as a pastoral care minister and was active in her church as a lector and eucharistic minister. A mass of Catholic burial will be held at Holy Trinity Church on Thursday, March 3 at 10 a.m. Her cremains will be laid to rest in Glendale Cemetery immediately following the service.

Sondra “Sonie” Kay Oswald

Sondra “Sonie” Kay Oswald, 82, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at Mercy West Lakes in West Des Moines. Per Sondra’s wishes, there will be a private Celebration of Life with her family.
She married Bill Oswald, and they made their home in Des Moines. Sonie and Bill had three children; Mark, Kim and Kathy. Sonie was a licensed cosmetologist for 25 years. She owned and operated The 5 Shears salon for 10 years, retiring in 1982. After she retired from the beauty industry, she worked in assisted living at Bishop Drumm. She received the Sister of Mercy Award for her compassionate service to others. A full obituary is online at IlesCares.com.

Carol-Faith Cooper

Carol-Faith Cooper, 89, died Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. Growing up, she lived in Boone, Shenandoah and Des Moines. She attended Roosevelt High School where she was first chair tuba player in the band. She was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Des Moines. During her late teens, Carol earned money for college working as an operator at the telephone company. She attended Grand View University and studied education, later serving as a teacher’s associate and librarian in the Des Moines public schools.
In 1951, she married Ralph Cooper, and they raised three children: Brent, Greg and Shellie. Ralph and Carol loved adventure and the outdoors. During summer months, they took their family to help operate summer camps at Mitigwa Boy Scout Camp and Forest Lake Baptist Camp. She volunteered at church and the Salvation Army, was a Cub Scout den mother, made hospital visits and ran Bible day camp.

Helen N. Walker

Helen N. Walker, 96, died at home on Feb. 19, 2022. A memorial service was held Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, at Iles Westover Chapel. Interment was Feb. 28 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter.
She graduated from Tripoli High School in Tripoli in 1942 and married Paul Walker on Oct. 11, 1942. Helen traveled with Paul while he was training for the Army Air Corp and worked at the Rath Packing Company while he was serving in England. After Paul’s discharge from the military, they settled in Waterloo where she was primarily a homemaker but worked some as a waitress at the Tavern on the Green Bowling Alley, Electric Park Ballroom, and Sunnyside Country Club. In 1960, Helen and Paul purchased the Pastime Lounge in Eagle Grove and operated that business until 1984. They later managed various apartment units in Colorado and Des Moines. He preceded her in death in 2006. Arrangements were handled by Iles Westover Chapel.

Kregg LeRoy Ferguson

Kregg LeRoy Ferguson, 73, of Altoona died peacefully at his home on Feb. 13, 2022, with his wife of 27 years, Doris, by his side. He grew up in Dunbar and LeGrand. He attended LDF School District and graduated 1967. After high school, he worked at Fisher Control in Marshalltown before finding a job he truly enjoyed as a meat cutter for Fareway, Safeway and HyVee. He retired from HyVee after 33 years with the company.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 5 from 3-5 p.m. at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines.

Mark Allen McGrew

Mark Allen McGrew, 51, of Altoona died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He graduated from high school in Tyler County, West Virginia. Mark then attended trucking school. In 1994, he met his wife, Mary Erickson, and they were married on Aug. 13, 1994. They settled in Des Moines and then in Altoona where they raised their family. Mark was employed by Heartland Co-op as a truck driver.
In 2008, Mark received the gift of a new heart at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Mark biked with the Des Moines Cycling Club, and he and Mary were members of the Iowa Jeep Club, Jeep Outdoor Club of Iowa, and SW Iowa Jeep Club.
No services are planned at this time.

Patrick David Lantz

Patrick “Pat” David Lantz, 62, of Adel, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, Feb.15, 2022. A funeral service was held Feb. 22 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - McCalley Chapel in Adel. Burial was at Panther Creek Cemetery west of Adel.
He attended school in Redfield, but started working at the Redfield Elevator at a young age, before working in many restaurants, including Tiny’s Horse “N” Buggy, Perkins and The Villa, among others, before pursuing his dream of opening his own restaurant, Patrick’s, in 1995 with his love, Lisa Mickael. Pat poured his heart and soul into cooking and creating a successful and well-known family business for the last 27 years.
He is survived by his father, David Lantz (Linda); his love of 32 years, Lisa Mickael; his two children, Justin Lantz (Kari) and Elisabeth Mickael; his two step children, Melissa Mickael and Justin Mickael (Kady); and many other relatives and friends.
A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

James P. Koher

James P. Koher, 53, died Feb. 9, 2022, at Kavanagh House Hospice in Des Moines. He graduated from Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended Michigan University before graduating from Ball State University with a bachelor of science degree in actuarial science. He obtained his Fellow of Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation in 1999 and worked in the insurance industry throughout his career. He most recently spent 13 years with Homesteaders Life in Des Moines, where he was executive vice president and chief actuary. He was also president and co-owner of Brighter Future Holdings, LLC, along with his wife, Chanda Koher.
A memorial gathering will be held from 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26 at Iles Dunn’s Chapel in Des Moines.

Daniel Thompson

Daniel Thompson, 53, of Urbandale, died at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines on Tuesday, Feb. 15. He graduated from Valley High School in 1987 and later attended Arizona State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in communications.
He worked for various banks and mortgage companies in Phoenix after graduating college. He later started up his own mortgage company called Sunrise Loan Services.
Due to health issues related to his juvenile diabetes, he suffered renal failure in 2003 and, shortly after, suffered three strokes. This resulted in him having to learn the basics, like learning how to walk, eat, talk and think all over again. This was the start of his long journey with health issues, including more minor strokes. After 15 months of dialysis, he received his mother’s kidney and later a pancreas from a donor in 2005.
He is survived by parents Sandy of Urbandale and Duane of Forest City, and other family and friends.

Benjamin Morgan Kelly

Benjamin Morgan Kelly, 88, died Feb. 17, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Services were Feb. 22 at First Presbyterian Church in Dallas Center. Burial followed at Brethren Cemetery near Dallas Center.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Ben married Frances Johnston in 1978, and they made their home on a farm in Waukee. She preceded him in death. For the last five years, Ben has been loved and supported by his companion, Marilyn Hawbaker, who survives him.
Ben was a member of the Dallas Center American Legion and the Dallas Center Coffee Club. He is survived by his three sons, Joe (Lori) Kelly of Adel, Benjamin (Denise) Kelly Jr. of Dallas Center, and Stephen (Cynthia) Schoch of Marietta, Georgia; and many other friends and relatives.
The family received friends Feb. 21, at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. A full obituary can be found at IlesCares.com.

Fern J. Dickey

Fern J. Dickey, 97, of Urbandale, died Feb. 15, 2022, at the Urbandale Health Care
Center. She graduated from Waukee High School in 1941. She married Lloyd on June 23, 1945. They made their home in Mitchellville before moving to Urbandale in 1957. Fern worked at Sears until she retired in 1984. Fern and Lloyd were married for 57 years before his passing.
She is survived by daughters Linda Keasey of Madrid, Sheryl Westbrook (Dan) of Altoona and son Dennis Dickey of Urbandale and other relatives and friends.
A full obituary is online at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Lola McKnight

Lola McKnight 80, of Norwalk, died Friday, February 18, 2022, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. at the Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines. There will be no formal service. Memorials may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Lola graduated from Lincoln High School. On Nov. 14, 1992, Lola married Jerald Earl McKnight at the Scotch Ridge Church in rural Warren County. The couple made their home in rural Norwalk. She worked at Norwest Bank as payroll manager at the time of her retirement after 20 years.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Jerry; children, Deanna (Robert) Bridges, Cindy (Steve) Tonasket and Gary Friedmeyer, stepdaughter, Julie (Paul) Holmes; and other relatives and friends.

Robert Aaron Adams

Funeral services for Robert Aaron Adams, 52, who died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at home, were held Feb. 22 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Cremation followed services.
He graduated from Prairie City-Monroe High School and went on to study at Western Iowa Tech where he received his LPN license. He is survived by the love of his life, Tina (Cushatt); daughters, Kayla, Jessica and Emily; brothers, Kevin (Cathy) Adams, Sohn (Gabe) Adams, Dan (Shelby) Adams Jr., Adam (Kristin) Adams, Todd (Chris) Cushatt; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Marvin ‘Tony’ Leland Putney

Marvin “Tony” Leland Putney, 81, died Feb. 18, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He married Nora Jones on July 2, 1961. He was a heavy equipment operator for Warren County retiring in 2005 after 23 years and wintered in Arizona. He was a produce vendor (Putney Homegrown Produce) at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market for 43 years.
He is survived by his wife Nora; children Stacy (Kelly) Putney, Jane (Jeff) Davis, Audrey Putney and Amanda (Brian) Fox; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; siblings, Peggy Snider, Ardith Naifeh, Sue Gordon and Tim Putney.
The family requests those that wish to honor him to donate blood at Life Serve Blood Center. No services are planned at this time. For a full obituary, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Charles James Hodges

Charles James Hodges died Feb. 12, 2022, in Indianola. A funeral services held Feb. 15 at Peterson Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial was at Bethel Chapel Cemetery in Woodburn. He served in the Navy from 1964-1968. On June 7, 1975, he married Pamala Jane Wilkins. Chuck went to work for Massey Ferguson until 1982 before beginning a career at CemenTech, where he retired on Jan. 26, 2007. While he was employed, Chuck took classes at DMACC for AutoCad where he received straight As.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Pamala; children, Greg (Danielle) Hodges, Andrea (Tim) Fletchall, David Hodges, Jenny (Jason) Scott, Kayla (Tyler) Mason, Bobby Hodges, and Daryl O’Brien; 17 Grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, with another on the way; and a brother, Jack (Ray) Hodges.

Diana Louise Mock

Diana Louise Mock died Feb. 16, 2022, in her home, surrounded by her companion, Steve Winkelman, and loving friends, Susan Chambers and Leila Schlenker.
Diana graduated from Indianola High school and attended Simpson College before training as a cytologist. She worked as a cytologist for many years — first in Atlanta and then in Des Moines. She was known for her acute diagnostic skills. After retiring from cytology, she became a Realtor.
A celebration of life will be held in early May.

Amy Beth Brody

Amy Beth Brody was born in Rochester, New York, on March 7, 1961. In 1984, she met Brad, and they shared 36 years of marriage. They had two children, Zachary and Brittany. Amy died suddenly on Feb. 21, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Bradley Brody; son, Zachary (Katie Whitlow) Brody; daughter, Brittany (Samuel) Blaustein; and many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, with Rabbi Barton officiating. Interment will be at Jewish Glendale Cemetery, immediately following the service. Shiva will be private. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.

Lois Fern Howard

Lois Fern Howard, affectionately known as “Grandma Pie,” died peacefully in her home, Feb. 19, 2022, surrounded by generations of family. Lois was born in Burnside and grew up in a rural setting. Traveling to California during the war to live with a sister whose husband was deployed, Lois met Victor Arnold Howard. They were married on April 18, 1946, and moved to West Des Moines. Shortly after the birth of their fourth son, Lois was widowed and left to raise the boys, ages 6, 4, 2 and 3 weeks. She retired in her late 80s from Guide One Insurance. She also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Hess and as a cashier at Magic Car Wash. She was a member of West Des Moines United Methodist and Rebekah Circle. Lois is survived by her four sons: William (Lynne), Gregory (Christine), Doug (Deb), and James and other relatives and friends.
Visitation is Thursday, Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines. Funeral service is Friday, Feb. 25, 10-11 a.m. at West Des Moines Methodist Church, 720 Grand Ave. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

Patricia Seiler

Patricia Seiler, 79, of West Des Moines, died Feb. 19, 2022. She was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On Oct. 20, 1962, she married Richard G. Seiler Sr. Together, they had five children. He preceded her in death She was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish and the treasurer of the Catholic Widow and Widowers group where she enjoyed activities with the club.
She is survived by her children, Deborah Studer, Richard Jr. (Theresa), Patrick (Kirsten), Robert (Amy), and David (Kelly), and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd., Des Moines. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at Sacred Heart Church, 1627 Grand Ave., West Des Moines, with a burial to follow at Jordan Cemetery, 3500 Fuller Road, West Des Moines.

Fred Spuzello

Fred Spuzello, 85, a Des Moines native and longtime resident of West Des Moines, died Feb. 14, 2022. He was a graduate of Tech High School and a long-time business entrepreneur. He is survived by his wife, Mary (Kleinschmidt), his children Dawn (Dale) Johnson, Deb Olson, Tony (Megan), Theresa (Jordan) Agey, and Tanner (Jenn); and other relatives and friends.

Phyllis Rosalia Scoles

Phyllis Rosalia Scoles (Beerbower), 96, died at the Madison County Memorial Hospital on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 25 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel with a visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow in the Winterset Cemetery.
Phyllis grew up in Winterset. Her family formed a band and played for dances when she was growing up. She was in the town band and played concerts uptown. She married Glenn Scoles, a friend of her brother’s from the Army CCC Camp in Red Oak on Aug. 5, 1944. Phyllis graduated from Winterset High School in 1945. The couple lived in Winterset and the Ozarks before returning to Winterset. She volunteered in many ways: for the VFW Post 8142, for her church, for the food bank, and as a hospice volunteer, among others. Phyllis was nominated by the VFW and became the No. 2 volunteer of the year with the State of Iowa. She was honored with 70 years of service with the VFW in 2019. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church.
She was preceded by her husband, Glenn, in 2010 after 65 years of marriage. A full obituary is available at www.caldwellparrish.com.

William Robert Cooper

William Robert Cooper, known as “Bill” or “Coop,” of Ankeny died Feb. 13, 2022, in Johnston. A graveside service was held Feb. 21 at Glendale Cemetery. He grew up in the Beaverdale neighborhood and graduated from Roosevelt High School and then served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. After his years in the Navy, William was employed as a locksmith and worked part time as a Polk County sheriff’s deputy. He served as the acting police chief of the Windsor Heights Police Department as well as being chief of the Windsor Heights Fire Department. William ended his career after 35 years with Mosler Safe Company, with whom he traveled to many towns across Iowa. He was a lifetime member of the Harley owners Group (HOG). He spent 20 years as a resident of Lake Ponderosa where he volunteered for the Lake Patrol Division.
Arrangements were handled by Iles Westover Chapel.

Geraldine Louise (Frederick) Bagley

Elsie A. Andrini, 107, died Feb. 15, 2022, of complications after falling in her home. She grew up in mining communities where her father worked in the mines. They moved to Dallas Coal Camp and eventually settled in the Granger area. As a teenager, her family moved to their first home on the Granger Homestead. This was a project developed by the late Monsignor Luigi L. Ligutti. He petitioned the government’s Subsistence Division Program and, with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt, secured the loan to start the Granger Homestead which gave poor families the ability to own a home and feed their families by working the land and raising animals. Elsie was possibly the last living original resident of the Granger Homestead.
Elsie married Richard Andrini in 1948. They first lived in Madrid and later bought a home in Granger where she lived until she fell and was hospitalized. He preceded her in death.
A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Dunn’s Chapel.

Geraldine Louise (Frederick) Bagley

Geraldine “Jerry” Louise (Frederick) Bagley, 90, died Feb. 5, 2022. Funeral services were Feb. 11 at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. Burial was at Resthaven Cemetery. She was born in Elkhart and graduated from Huxley High School in 1948. After graduation, she moved to Des Moines and started working at Central Life. She married Richard Bagley on Dec. 25, 1953 and moved in to their new home in Urbandale in 1957. He preceded her in death. Jerry spent her entire married life in that home before moving to Bickford Assisted living in 2021. She was a stay-at-home mom to her three children, Sheryl, Kathy, and Robert. Jerry also worked in food service for the Urbandale schools for many years.

Matthew J. Coenen

Funeral Mass for Matthew J. Coenen, 79, of Indianola, who died Feb. 2, 2022, in Des Moines, were Feb. 11 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola,. Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Matthew was a 1961 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School. He is survived by his wife, Kaye, of 54 years; children, Matthew E. Coenen and Ann (Blake) Davis; and many other relatives and friends.

Dorothy (Hildreth) Matthiesen

Dorothy (Hildreth) Matthiesen, 98, died Feb. 3, 2022, at The Village retirement community of Indianola. She grew up in the Des Moines area, farmed near Curlew, and lived for 54 years in Fenton before moving to The Village in Indianola in 2002. Dorothy attended both Lincoln and North High Schools in Des Moines. During high school, she ran track, played tennis and swam. During WWII, she worked at the Ankeny Ordnance Plant and later at Solar Aircraft in Des Moines where she met her husband, Homer, who preceded her in death. She was active with Homer in his welding shop, DeKalb Seed Corn business and Homer’s Hardware store.
A memorial service will take place in May at the Rush Lake Township Cemetery near Curlew.

Sonja Ellen Crain

Sonja Ellen Crain died Feb. 11, 2022, with her family by her side at home. She graduated from Rich East High School in Chicago in 1980 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Knox College in 1984 and her master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 1988. She moved to Indianola to begin a teaching career at Simpson College while her husband-to-be, Dale, finished chiropractic school. They married on Oct. 8, 1988. She put her Simpson career on hold to be home with the kids while also volunteering for organizations such as TTT, Dobber’s Up, and the National Balloon Classic. She led Sunday School and Kid’s Club at Trinity United Presbyterian Church where she also served as a deacon. She returned to Simpson College to work with students in the TRIO Program. She retired from Simpson in 2020 and became chief editor for Deeper Than Money, a business founded by her daughter Chloe.
She is survived by husband Dale Crain; children, Chelsea (Dominik) Lensing, Chloe Crain, and Nicholas Crain; and many other family and friends. Celebration of Life Services were held Feb. 16 at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Indianola. Inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date.

Jim Weeks

Jim Weeks, 79, died surrounded by family on Feb. 6, 2022. He lived in New Virginia, where he went to high school and graduated in 1960. After graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Leona Kay Johnson, on July 25, 1964. After moving from New Virginia, Jim and Leona settled in Indianola.
Jim worked as a laborer at Firestone Tire & Rubber for more than 30 years. After retiring from Firestone, Jim finished his working years with the Department of Transportation.
Survivors include his wife, Leona, of 57 years; children, Mark Weeks, Ryan (Amy) Weeks and Erin (Paul) Kindelspire; and many other relatives and friends.
Services were Feb. 10 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial followed in the New Virginia Cemetery, New Virginia.

Anna May Cooley

Services for Anna May Cooley, 97, who died Feb. 3, 2022, in Norwalk, were held Feb. 10 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. She grew up on a farm near Des Moines where she met and married Edward William Cooley on Oct. 17, 1941. They were together 57 years until his death in 1999. They had six children: Edward LeRoy (Grace), Joanne Dora (Keith Blanchard), Wayne Dennis (Robin), Beverly Jean (Raymond Johnson), Penni Sue (Larry Bell), and Larry Scott (Marcinda). Joanne and Wayne preceded her in death.

Linda Elaine Harvey

Linda Elaine Harvey, 71, died Feb. 13, 2022. She graduated from Valley High School in 1968. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Harvey, and other relatives and friends. Arrangements were handled by Iles Westover Chapel.

Patti Linn Reeves

Patti Linn Reeves, 72, of West Des Moines, died Feb. 3, 2022. A memorial service was held at Westchester Evangelical Free Church in Des Moines on Feb. 10. She graduated from Urbandale High School and from Northern Illinois University. She was a teacher all her life and retired from Iowa Christian Academy. She is survived by two children, Daniel (Morgan) and Meredith (Ben) Cadwell, and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan.

Susan Wickemeyer

Susan Wickemeyer, 69, of West Des Moines, died Feb. 5, 2022. She grew up in Texas, living in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. She attended the University of Houston for two years before transferring to Texas Women’s University. She received her bachelor of nursing degree and began her career in the emergency department of St. Joseph’s Hospital in downtown Houston. Susan met her future husband, William, when she was a student nurse and he was an intern in the emergency department of The Methodist Hospital in Houston. They were married in June of 1980 and moved to Des Moines where William began his career as a cardiologist. Susan then devoted her energy to raising her children and supporting William in his medical practice.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, William; their children, Julie and Joseph; and other relatives and friends. A visitation will be Saturday, Feb. 19, from 10-11 a.m. with the memorial service following at 11 a.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines.

Charles James Hodges

Charles James Hodges died Feb. 12, 2022, in Indianola. A funeral service was held Feb. 15 at Peterson Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial was at Bethel Chapel Cemetery in Woodburn. Watch for the full obituary at https://www.petersonfuneralservice.com.