Iowa Living Magazines

Laurence James ‘Jim’ McMichael

Laurence James “Jim” McMichael, 94, died on March 29, 2022, at the Iowa Jewish Senior Life Center in Des Moines. Jim attended All Saints School, Dowling High School (class of 1945), and Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Jim met Janet Greer at The Bankers Life, where they both worked. They were married in 1957. They have five children: John, Margaret, Patti, Mary and Tom. His wife and children survive him.
Jim was a devout Catholic, and he and Janet were long-time members of St. Theresa Parish. Jim worked his entire career at The Bankers Life/The Principal, retiring in 1991 after 37 years. Jim held numerous volunteer positions over the years. He taught adult reading at Drake University; conducted Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) sessions throughout the state, for which he was recognized with the Iowa Volunteer of the Year Award; and served as a greeter at Mercy West Hospital in West Des Moines.
The funeral service was held at St. Theresa Church on Wednesday, April 6.

Mary Ann Hilderbrand

Mary Ann Hilderbrand, 98, of West Des Moines, died on March 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, April 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, of which she was a member. Burial followed at Resthaven Cemetery.
Mary Ann was born in Marshalltown, where she met her husband, Richard, of 52-plus years. She worked for the West Des Moines Public Schools serving lunch to the children.
Surviving are her children, Linda Cookman (Joe), Julie Oeltjenbruns (Keith), Jim (Vicky), and Tom (Sam); 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick, in 1997; sons Danny and Rick; and great-grandson, Poppy.
McLaren’s Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines was in charge of arrangements.

Georgia Ann Olsen

Georgia Ann Olsen, 94, of West Des Moines died March 28, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 1995. Survivors include her children, Terry (Kitty), Dan (Kathy) and Polly Olsen; son-in-law Tim Singer; and many other relatives. A full obituary is available at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. Her funeral was held April 1 at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch.

Muriel I. Hawkins

Muriel I. Hawkins, 99, died Thursday, March 24, 2022. She was able to live in her own home until her final couple of days. A private service and burial were held Friday, April 1. She grew up at a state fish hatchery and animal reserve in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended Mills Art College after high school and then began working as a commercial artist at the local newspaper. In June of 1948, she married O.D. Hawkins. After they married, Muriel worked as an artist at the University of Missouri. They lived in Schenectady, New York, then briefly at Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1956, they settled in West Des Moines and Muriel worked as a homemaker.
She was a member of Associated Artists of Central Iowa for many years and active in showing her artwork in the community. After painting a picture of Terrace Hill, she was commissioned by the purchaser to do a painting of Hoyt Sherman Place as well. She enjoyed writing and was published in a couple of Minnesota magazines where she wrote stories relating to her youth at the fish hatchery. In at least one article, she also provided an illustration. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution for 40 years and a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for more than 60 years.
She is survived by son Mark, daughter Gail (Jeff) Meyer, grandchildren Ryan and Kendra Meyer, and other relatives. She was preceded by her husband, O.D. A complete obituary can be found at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.

Christopher Nolan Landers

Christopher Nolan Landers, 21, died March 25, 2022. His greatest joy was Royal Family Kids Camp, which he attended for four years as a youth and returned as a young adult as a mentor and counselor. He was a 2020 graduate of Valley High School.
He is survived by his mother, D’anne, and stepdad, Ron; brothers Nathan (Allison) and Tanner (Sierra); sisters Taylor and Samantha; stepsister Karissa; and other relatives.

John P. Connair

A funeral mass for John P. Connair was held Monday, April 4, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. The service can be viewed online at www.brooksfuneralcare.com. Brooks Funeral Care in Clive was in charge of arrangements.

Patricia JoAnn Jones-Taylor

Patricia JoAnn Jones-Taylor, 57, died peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Trish was born in Des Moines and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. She earned her nursing degree at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. She was a nurse for her entire career. She married Steve Taylor on June 22, 2019, in Bondurant.
She is survived by her husband, Steve Taylor; sons, Joshua (Ashly) Moland and Jordan Moland; her step-children, Greg (Aimee), Jessica M., Lindsay (Cory), Tabatha, Thadius, Jessica D., and Jacquelyn; and other relatives and friends.
Services were held Saturday, April 2 at The Well Covenant Church in Des Moines. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Connie Kinser

Connie Kinser, 84, of Winterset, died Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Azria Health in Winterset. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 2 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home Winterset Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Constance Joan Gustafson was born in College Springs on Jan. 1, 1938. She was raised in Red Oak and graduated from Red Oak High School in 1956. She married Neil Bentley in 1957. They had four kids including one from Neil’s previous marriage. They lived in Kingsley for a time and then farmed in Mills County. They divorced in 1968.
Connie met Jimmy Kinser, a barber in Red Oak, and they married in 1974 in Maryville, Missouri. They lived in Red Oak for several years, then in Indianola briefly before relocating to Winterset in 1988. They had one daughter together, plus a daughter from Jim’s previous marriage.
Connie was the first newspaper delivery girl in Red Oak, working for her father who was a paper boss for the Council Bluffs Nonpareil and then The Des Moines Register. She had many jobs over her working life including bank teller, waitress, hospital receptionist, many secretarial positions, the Iowa DOT in the driver’s license department and as a child care provider. In about 1978, Connie started to work for the USDA in the Farm Services Agency (formerly the ASCS). She worked in Montgomery County for about 10 years then entered the CED training program. She served as County Extension director in Warren and then Madison counties until she retired in 2003. She was one of few women who served as a CED.
She was a member of the Jaycee Jaynes of Red Oak, Classy Chassis Car Club of Red Oak, Winterset Rotary, and the Winterset School Board, having served as president. She sang in church choirs most of her life and enjoyed playing the piano.
She is survived by her husband, Jim Kinser; son Joel Kinser (Jen Hughes); step-son Tom Bentley; daughters, Darce (Jeff) Ovel and Molly (Chris) Douglas; step-daughter Klissie Robbins; daughter-in-law Julie (Chris) Hendrix; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Bill Kinser.

Molly Kathryn (Hebert) Shukla

Molly Kathryn (Hebert) Shukla, 29, died Monday, March 28, 2022, at home. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday April 4, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. Inurnment followed at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Molly was born March 26, 1993, in Des Moines to David and Mary (O’Hara) Hebert. She graduated from Ankeny High School in 2011, received her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Iowa, and received a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York. She graduated in one year with a 4.0 from the Ivy League School. She married Ravi Shukla in on Feb. 17, 2018, and later held a Catholic wedding celebrated on Aug. 11, 2018. They resided in Playa Vista, California. Molly worked as a licensed masters social worker for Ankeny Family Counseling.
Molly is survived by her husband, Ravi Shukla; parents, Mary and Dave Hebert; brother, Grant (Tia) Hebert, all of Ankeny; and many other relatives and friends.
The family received friends and a Rosary was recited at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church. Online condolences can be expressed at IlesCares.com.

Dena Mae Logli Randolph

Dena Mae Logli Randolph, 103, died Thursday, March 31, 2022. She graduated from Ankeny High School. She married William J. Randolph, also from Ankeny, where they lived until Bill’s death in March of 2000.
She is survived by her children, William E. Randolph and Linda Randolph; and other relatives and friends. Following a gathering of family and friends at the Ankeny Funeral Home, Dena will be buried beside her husband, Bill, on Wednesday, April 6 at 2 p.m. at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. Anyone who considered Dena a friend is invited to attend the graveside.

Barbara Dee Harris

Barbara Dee Harris was born March 12, 1935, in Coral Gables, Florida. A memorial service was held on Friday, April 1 at Memorial Services of Iowa. Barb graduated high school at Clarkston High School, Clarkston, Michigan, in 1952. She married James McNamee in 1956 and worked at the registrar’s office at the University of Iowa, where Jim graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1963. They settled and raised their three children in Ankeny, where she spent the next 57 years.
Barb worked at Jim’s dental office. She and Jim were involved in Friendship Force International, and they were honored to host other members from around the world. As Friendship Force members, they also visited 24 countries including Australia, Japan and Norway.
Barb and Jim were longtime members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny. She enjoyed Women’s Club and Women’s Lit Club with her many friends.
She is survived by her children, Denise (Ken) Hummel, Pam (Mike) Morrison, and Jamie (Denise) McNamee; and grandchildren, Andrew (Marissa) Hummel, Jana (Jake) Sellhausen, Ashley (Blake) LaFollette, Lauren Morrison, Mackenzie (Blake) Davidson, and Josh McNamee.

Robert ‘Jake’ Lee Van Horn

Jake Van Horn, 91, died March 28, 2022. Jake was born in Runnells and graduated from Woodside High School. He retired from Firestone after 33 years and continued his passion for golf by playing and working at various golf courses. He played softball for many teams in the area.
Jake was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean. Jake is survived by his children, Laura Van Horn and Rick Robertson Van Horn (Debbie); stepson Jeff (Susan) Schwartz; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines. Burial took place at Oralabor Cemetery following the service. See a full obituary at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Minnie ‘Mickey’ B. Spivey

Minnie “Mickey” B. Spivey, 69, of Ankeny, died at her home, surrounded by family on March 26, 2022. Her funeral was March 30 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny. The burial of cremated remains will be at a later date.
She was born in Hartsville, South Carolina. Mickey was involved in many church activities and bible studies. She was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. She was also a Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor Society) member. In 1970, she received the John Philip Sousa Band Award, recognizing her superior musicianship in saxophone. She attended Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, and Iowa Methodist School of Technology in Des Moines. She earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology with a 4.0 GPA in the summer of 1994. She worked at Iowa Methodist Medical Center as a medical technologist in the Blood Bank Lab, where she retired in 2016.
She is survived by her husband, Clyde Wesley Spivey of Ankeny; son, Brian (Natalie) Spivey of Rosamond, California; daughter, Jennifer Wiese of Ankeny; and many other relatives and friends. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.

Gary Alan Waller

Gary Alan Waller died surrounded by his family on March 30, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2022, with visitation at 3:30 p.m., at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd.
Gary was born Jan. 22, 1948, in Iowa City. The family moved to Ankeny in 1964, and Gary graduated from Ankeny High School in 1966. Soon after, Gary joined the U.S. Army where he served, stateside, during the Vietnam War. After his service, he met Barbara Louise Sidoner, and they were married on Nov. 20, 1971. He worked for decades in sales and was a long-time volunteer with the Ankeny High School Alumni Association, as well as a member of a Corvette club.
Gary is survived by his sons, Mike (Liz) and Steve; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb.

Shannon L. Lamberti

Shannon Lee (Cahill) Lamberti, 58, died at her home in Ankeny on March 26, 2022. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 2 at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home followed by an interment at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Shannon was born in Omaha, Nebraska. She moved to Ankeny with her parents and siblings. She graduated from Ankeny High School in 1981 and received an associate’s degree from DMACC in 1983. She worked as a legal assistant until staying home to raise her two children.
She is survived by Jeff Lamberti and their children, Meredith (Tim Lenox) Lamberti and Domenic (Eloise Hyman) Lamberti; and other relatives and friends. A full obituary is online at www.AnkenyMemorial.com.

Evelyn Mae Shafer

Evelyn Mae Shafer, 97, of Grimes, died Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center. Services were held Sunday, April 3 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes. Burial followed at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes.
Evelyn was born in Dallas County and married Jack Shafer on July 3, 1943. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Dallas Center Woman’s Club for 30-plus years, Iowa Cattle Women, William Wagner Questers, and was a Living History Farms volunteer. After her husband’s passing, she enjoyed dancing at Lake Robbins Ballroom.
Evelyn is survived by her children, Alice (Ronald) Wicker, C. Edward (Theresa) Shafer, both of Grimes, and Mary (Steve) Crowe of Columbia, Missouri, and many other relatives and friends.
A full obituary can be found online at IlesCares.com.

Finnegan James Hurley

Finnegan James Hurley was born on Friday, March 25, 2022, and died Monday, March 28. Finn will lovingly be remembered by his parents, Lacey and Ben Hurley; his big sisters, Graysan and Eversyn; and many other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at Rising Sun Cemetery. Immediately following burial, the family will host a Celebration of Life reception at The Bunker, located at Copper Creek Golf Club, 4825 Copper Creek Drive in Pleasant Hill.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

Richard Wayne Semler

Richard Wayne Semler, 91, died March 22, 2022. He was married to Jean Mary Bowers on Aug. 17, 1951. He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in McAllen, Texas, Independence and Cedar Falls. He was in the Army Reserves, a member of the Rotary Club in Independence and became a Paul Harris Fellow.
Richard attended Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a year then Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. After graduation, he taught English and social studies in Dunkerton, Tripoli and Waterloo for about 10 years. Most of that time they lived in Cedar Falls. He then worked as a consultant for Area Education Agency 7 for 20 years before he retired in 1994. They lived in Independence for those 20 years. He received a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa during that time.
Shortly after retirement, Richard and Jean moved to McAllen, where they lived for 22 years. In 2018 they moved back to Iowa to Woodlands Creek Independent Living and then Silvercrest Assisted Living. He was living at Glen Oak’s Alzheimer’s Special Care Center at the time of his death.
Richard is survived by his children, Duane (Diane) Semler and Bonnie Bowers, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Semler, on Jan. 9, 2021. A service will be held at a later date.

Lee Junior Roy

Lee Junior Roy, 97, died Monday, March 21, 2022, at home. Services were held March 29 at Iles Westover Chapel. Burial was at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. Lee served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-1946 and was a Purple Heart recipient.
Lee was a revenue auditor for the State of Iowa. He was a member of the American Legion, a lifelong member of VFW and an avid ham radio operator.
Lee is survived by his wife, Bonnie Roy; son Jeffrey (Linda) Roy; two daughters, Cynthia Boeckmann and Leslie (John McPhail) Nelson; and other relatives and friends. Online condolences can be shared at IlesCares.com. Iles Westover Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Marcella Joyce Yochum

Marcella Joyce Yochum, 94, of Urbandale died Thursday, March 10, 2022. She attended school in Colfax and graduated from Colfax High School in 1945. While in school, she was active in school plays and was a member of the girls basketball team that went to the Girls State Tournament three years in a row. She married John Yochum and moved to Newton in 1952, where they raised their three children, Jaci, Jolene and Scott. For 21 years, Marcella was the Welcome Wagon hostess in Newton, until she was promoted to regional field manager for lowa and part of Illinois. In 1975, she was named the National Field Manager of the Year. She retired after more than 41 years with Welcome Wagon.
Upon retiring, Marcella moved to Urbandale, where she enjoyed several activities including playing bridge at the Bridge House, exercising with the Silver Sneakers, Red Hat Club, and being a greeter at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Marcella is survived by daughter Jolene (Harold Davis) and son Scott (Debbie); son-in-law Sid Gordon; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her daughter Jaci Gordon.
A memorial service will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church at a later date. Condolences may be left online at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Russell Lundy

Russell Lundy of Urbandale died Monday, March 21, 2022, at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines. A memorial service was held Saturday, March 26, at Covenant Christian Church in Urbandale.

Betty Ann Felt

Betty Ann Felt, 84, died Saturday, March 26, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in West Des Moines. She grew up in Jewell and graduated from South Hamilton High School. She worked for more than 25 years for Baker’s Cafeteria before becoming an education assistant for Heartland AEA. She married Duane “Dewey” Felt, and they raised their family and made Waukee home for more than 60 years. He preceded her in death.
Betty was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukee, which kept her active in many positions and committees.
She is survived by her children: Douglas Duane Felt, Michael Leroy Felt, Lisa Ann (Roger) Fenton and Lori Lin Felt, and many other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waukee Community Center, 875 Walnut St., Waukee. Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with arrangements.

Steven Graham

Steven Kenneth Graham, 50, died March 18, 2022, after suffering a stroke in October 2021. He is survived by his wife of nearly 25 years, Tiffany Graham, and their sons, Jordan Lee (Rachael) and Noah Kenneth (Kaylie), and many other relatives and friends.
His family lived in Urbandale then moved to Waukee when Steve was in third grade. He graduated from Dowling High School in 1990 and then attended Northeast Missouri State. He married Tiffany Howell in 1997, and the couple stayed in Waukee to raise their sons.
Steve was a DJ for many radio stations in Des Moines including Star 102.5 and Mix 100.3. He was an assistant manager with Dahl’s Food, and, for the past seven years was a night service manager with Stivers Ford.
At Steve’s request, there will be no service at this time. Condolences can be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Matthew Whitlock Eldridge

Matthew Whitlock Eldridge, 52, of Waukee, died suddenly on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. Matt was born in Seoul, Korea, and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Wheaton Central in 1988. He attended the University of Arizona and Iowa State University. Matt was a self-employed insurance broker. He was active in coaching his son’s Waukee youth football team and was instrumental in his son’s baseball activities.
He is survived by his wife, Kim, and his children, Carter and Kaitlyn, and other relatives and friends. Funeral services were March 30 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Burial was at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Laurie Lynn Dawes

Laurie Lynn Dawes, 43, of Adel died Tuesday, March 22, 2022, from complications related to ALS. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, March 26, at New Hope Church in Adel. Burial was at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel.
Laurie grew up in Adel and graduated from ADM High School in 1997. She began her college education at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska. She studied nursing and had a successful softball career while on scholarship at Midland University. She completed her college education at Grand View University in Des Moines where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She worked at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Orthopedic Outpatient Surgery Center of DM and, for the last 15 years, at Wolfe Eye Clinic. She continued working as a sales consultant online for Rodan and Fields.
In August 2002, she married Colby Dawes. This friendship began in preschool and blossomed throughout the years. They had two sons, Braylon and Bryce.
She is survived by the following, all from Adel: her husband, Colby; her two sons, Braylon and Bryce; her parents, Ron and Pam Tryon; brother, Scott (Laura) Tryon; sister, Kristi (Brad) Fuller; parents-in-law, Nick and Peg Dawes; brother-in-law, Beau (Amie) Dawes; nieces and nephews, Mackenzie (Josh) Johnson, Briley Tryon, Carter Tryon, Gage Fuller, Zachary Fuller, Leah, Blake and Lane Dawes.

William ‘Will’ Farlow

William Lewis Farlow, 72, grew up in Siam and Emmetsburg, where he graduated from high school in 1968. He spent one year each at Emmetsburg Community College, Ellsworth Community College and Northwest Missouri State College. Will was married in 1972 to Mary (Stanzel) Farlow. They lived in the Maryville, Missouri, area for two years, then moved to Curlew so Will could work in the family oil business. He drove a tank wagon for fuel deliveries, worked in the service station doing minor repairs, and assisted with the carwash. After several years working in the family business, he returned to school and completed an associate’s degree in horticulture at Iowa Lakes Community College in 1988. After graduation, he took a job in the Des Moines area. He worked at a number of businesses in the area over the next 20 years.
Will was a lifelong Methodist, most recently a member of the West Des Moines United Methodist Church. He and Mary enjoyed the MITSWITS classes and social activities. He joined the Gnemeth Masonic Lodge #577 and held many offices over the years. He finished his year as Master in 2012 and continued to attend and participate. He became a Polk County Master Gardener in 2006 and was an active volunteer until 2016. Most of his volunteer time was spent at the greenhouse and plant sale.
He is survived by his wife, Mary (Stanzel), son Markus (Cathy), daughter Christine (Ross) Griswold, and other relatives and friends. A Masonic Memorial Ceremony was held on Friday, March 25, and a Celebration of Life was held Saturday, March 26, at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church. Burial was at the Masonic Cemetery in Des Moines.

Gordon Wayne Segelke

Gordon Wayne Segelke, 84, died Monday, March 21, 2022, in Des Moines. Services were held Saturday, March 26, at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. Burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Madrid.
Gordon was born in Cherokee, grew up on the family farm in Sutherland, and graduated from Sutherland High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota. He worked as a CPA for Easter Enterprises, Inc. for most of his working career, retiring in 1994 as their CFO. He returned to rural life in his retirement and spent 22 years on his acreage near Granger. He led keyboard sing-a-longs at Deerfield Retirement Community and Cedar Ridge Village.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Barbara (Mataya) Segelke; his daughters, Brenda (Gopperton) Oliphant, Susan Maass and Sheryl (John) Dutcher; step-children, Julie (Keith) Armstrong, Mark Rectenbaugh and Karen (Mark) Neff; and other relatives and friends.

Donn McDonald

Donn Hudson McDonald, 90, died Wednesday March 23, 2022. He married Arlean Petersen in 1954. She preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, Paula Wray (Bruce Brubaker), Martin Donn (Natalie), Eric John (Sarah) and Ronn Miles (Ronda), and other relatives and friends.
The family held a coffee and conversation gathering on Monday, March 28, in the Edgewater Events Center.

Rebecca Ann Ballantyne

Rebecca Ann Ballantyne, 74, of West Des Moines, was born in Leon. For the past four years, she was a resident at the Independence Villages in Waukee. She died March 15, 2022, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Becky attended Lamoni Community Schools, graduating in 1966. She received an associate’s degree from Graceland College in 1968 and a bachelor’s degree with a major in home economics from Iowa State University in 1970. Her 34-year professional career began in 1971 as food service director at Algona School District, serving students, banquets for community events, the annual Iowa Pork Producers conferences, as well as coordinating meals for relief for survivors of the tornado that devastated the area. She became food service director for the West Des Moines Community School District. Then she was school food service nutritionist for the Des Moines school district, which also included managing the Summer Meals in the Park program. Becky held the office of president in the Iowa School Food Service Association and was a Midwest regional director of the American School Food Service Association. She taught food sanitation certification courses for DMACC and colleges in the Midwest. She was a member of the Iowa Depression Glass Club and served as president from 2001-2005.
Becky was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church. Since moving to West Des Moines, she had been a member of the West Des Moines congregation. She was deeply involved in the life and ministry of the congregation through her leadership, teaching, organizing music and as pastor.
Memorial services will be held at the West Des Moines Community of Christ Church at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 27. Graveside services will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, at 3:30 p.m. the same day.

Brady Andrew Martens

Brady Andrew Martens, 25, of West Des Moines, died on March 22, 2022. He was born in Des Moines, attended Waukee schools and graduated from Waukee High School in 2014. For the past eight years, he was a sales consultant at Best Buy, where he specialized in appliances. He recently started and excelled in their digital sales platform and quickly became one of the top salespeople in the region.
He is survived by his parents, Scott Martens of Urbandale and Cheryl (Kevin) Stillman of Clive; his sister, Ellie Martens of West Des Moines; and many other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life was held March 29 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Larry E. Kellow, Sr.

Larry E. Kellow, Sr., 74, of West Des Moines, died Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines surrounded by family. A memorial service was held Thursday, March 31, at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. A private family burial was at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sheila Kellow; children Larry (Trish) Kellow Jr., Nicole Button and Lance (Jaime) Kellow; nine grandchildren; and brother Mike (Candy) Kellow.

Elaine Marie Massey

Elaine Marie Massey, 67, died Friday, March 25, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at Iles Grandview Park Chapel later this spring. Watch for the update to the obituary at IlesCare.com. Private inurnment will be held at Warren-Powers Cemetery at a later date.
Elaine has lived at Mosaic in West Des Moines for the past 40 years. She is survived by her siblings, Ralaine Massey and Gloria Lee Clark, both of Des Moines, and Chris (Rhonda) Massey of Runnells; and other relatives and friends.

John ‘Skip’ McDonald

John “Skip” Steven McDonald, 75, of Norwalk, died March 12, 2022, in Des Moines. He was born in Des Moines, graduated from Des Moines Technical High School and attended Grand View University. From there, Skip served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer in Vietnam. After returning, he spent a majority of his career working in the glass and glazing business.
Skip is survived by his wife, Kathy; two children, Denise (Steve) Gordon and Deven (Theresa) McDonald; and two step-children: Michael (Sheryl) Graber and Shelly Kirschbaum; and other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a later date.

Diana (Gentosi) Evans

Diana (Gentosi) Evans, 91, of Indianola, died March 19, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Diana was a lifelong member of the Vittoria Lodge. She enjoyed spending time with her family and working on craft projects. She worked for Bryan Animal Hospital in Des Moines for 24 years.
She is survived by her daughters, Billie Ramey, Toni Marinaro (Tom) and Terri Grail, and other relatives and friends. Her husband, William Evans, and her son, Robert Evans, preceded her in death. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Peggy Ann Rosenbaum

Peggy Ann Rosenbaum, 78, of Indianola, died March 26, 2022, at the Indianola Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home. Services will be held at a later date. She is survived by her husband, Robert; children, George (Chris) Grover, Kim Gaylord and Ronald (Jean) Rosenbaum; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded by daughter Susan Scanlan.

Pamela Barnett

Pamela Barnett, 74, died March 23, 2022, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Services were held Wednesday, March 30, at Christian Life Assembly of God Church.

Kim Johnson

Kim Johnson, 48, of Winterset, died unexpectedly at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines on Monday, March 21, 2022. A celebration of life was held Friday, March 25 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Kimberly Nicole (Kerns) Johnson was born in Winterset, attended Winterset High School and graduated in 1992. She went on to become a CMA and CNA and worked for nursing homes around the area. She married Kenneth Johnson on Feb. 14, 1998, in Winterset. Kim was a great caregiver and had a heart of gold. She enjoyed working with her clients at the nursing homes and also taking care of her father, Ron.
She is survived by her husband, Ken; parents, Ron and Val Kerns; and other relatives and friends.

Deloris Linn

Deloris Kay Linn, 79, of Bondurant, died Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Services were held at Bondurant Federated Church on March 23.
She grew up in Bondurant where she continued to live her whole life. She graduated from Bondurant-Farrar in 1961 where she played on the state tournament basketball and softball teams. She married Harry B. Linn on Aug. 24, 1962, and they shared nearly 60 years. She attended Bondurant Federated Church for most of her life and enjoyed volunteering with Awana and singing in the choir. She worked as a school cook for nearly 33 years where her primary role was baking.
She is survived by her husband, Harry Linn; son, Kyle (Lori) Linn; daughters, Susan (Duane) Moeller of Bondurant and Kimber (Donavon) Hintz; and other relatives and friends. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

John Schweers

John Alphonse Schweers, 72, died surrounded by his family on March 19, 2022. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 31 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny from 4-7 p.m. A service will be held at the church Friday, April 1, 10 a.m., with burial following at St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Cemetery in Arcadia.
He grew up on the family farm in Arcadia. After graduating from Kuemper Catholic High School in 1967, John attended Iowa State University for a time before enlisting in the United States Army where he served as a sergeant and completed a tour in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge, he met his wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Bradley, and they were married June 1, 1973.
John returned to Iowa State where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1974. He worked for many years in the banking industry, specializing in mortgage lending, before changing career paths, serving as office manager for Associated Benefits Corp. in West Des Moines. John and Kathy became parents of three children, Ryan, Allison and Audrey.
He was a scoutmaster for Troop 182 for many years and a volunteer at the local VA hospital. John will also be remembered for being a conservationist. He was known for maintaining the quarter mile portion of Ankeny’s High Trestle Bike Trail behind his home by pulling weeds, planting milkweed and other wildflowers to attract butterflies, and picking up litter daily along his 4-mile walking route. He was also a member of the VFW.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen Schweers, and survived by his children, Ryan (Jenny) Schweers, Allison (Michael) Klein Jr. of Ankeny, and Audrey (Shawn) Echelberry; and many other relatives and friends.

Martin ‘Marty’ Anthon Foster

Martin “Marty” Anthon Foster, 67, died in his sleep after being transferred to the Dougherty House in Sioux Falls on the morning of March 19, 2022, after several health challenges in recent years.
He was primarily raised in Ankeny. He ran track and graduated high school in 1972. He graduated from Wartburg College with a bachelor’s degree in social services in 1976. He married Robin Hurd in 1990 with whom he shares three daughters and eight grandchildren, as well as numerous other “adopted” kids. They later divorced.
He is survived by his children, Angela Joan (Jason) Krause, Cynthia Lynn (Heath) Anderson, and Amanda Darlene (Arlo) North, and other relatives and friends. A memorial and visitation with family will be held at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on April 1, 5-7 p.m. Interment will take place April 5, 1 p.m., at Ankeny Memorial Gardens in Ankeny.

Rafael Domingo Mendez

Rafael Domingo Mendez died March 23, 2022, due to complications of liver failure. Rafael graduated early from North High School in Des Moines and joined the United States Army, where he served almost 10 years as an infantryman. He was deployed on three combat tours — twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan, where he was decorated with multiple awards.
Rafael married Jennifer and they had a daughter, Alicia. The couple divorced. Rafael married Bobbi Mendez, and they spent the last 11 years together.
He is survived by his daughter, Alicia, and his ex-wife and caretaker, Jennifer; his current wife, Bobbi Mendez; step-children Travis Wierenga, Austin Phillips and Brynn Phillips; mother Deanna Mendez and stepfather Enrique Anguiano of Altoona; father Vicente Mendez Sr.; brother Vicente Mendez and family; sister Laura Mendez and family; and many other relatives and friends.
Services were at Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home on Monday, March 28.

Pam Ginther

Pam Ginther was born Sept. 13, 1946, to Frank and Betty Lou Schultz. She lived her life in Des Moines and Altoona. She worked in the Des Moines Public School system her entire career, retiring at the age of 65.
She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Stuart (Jeff Stuart) and Lorrie Scully (Ed Scully); sons Rick Ginther (Yvonne Ginther) and Joe Ginther; and other relatives and friends. A memorial service was held at Grandview Park Funeral home on March 26.

Patricia Louise George

Patricia Louise George, 85, of Altoona, died Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Edencrest at Tuscany in Altoona. She grew up in Martensdale, where she graduated in 1955 and began working for Northwestern Bell. On Nov. 24, 1956, she was married to Patrick George Sr. at Churchville. They made their home in the Des Moines and Altoona area where they owned and operated George Transit Line.
She was preceded in death by children Brian and Susan. She is survived by her husband; three children, Lynn (Kirk) Walters, Patrick W. George Jr. ( Karen Alexander ), and Tim (Mary Beth) George of Altoona; and other relatives and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held Friday, March 25, at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Altoona with burial following at the Altoona Cemetery.

Warren Evan Eichelberger

Warren Evan Eichelberger, 80, died March 20, 2022, at Edencrest Tuscany in Altoona from injuries obtained in a fall. He graduated in 1960 from Polk High School in Ohio. Warren married Louise (Welch) Eichelberger in 1962. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1975 from Ashland University. He worked as a plastics projects engineer for the majority of his career. After moving to Jesup, he worked for and retired from Omega Cabinets.
After his wife’s death in October 2021, he enjoyed spending time with his Edencrest friends and staff. His only wish after one of his falls was to recover enough to get back “home” to Edencrest to celebrate his 80th birthday with friends and a large birthday cake, which he enjoyed thoroughly.
He is survived by his daughter, Julie Eichelberger of Jesup; daughter-in-law Christy (Schrock) Eichelberger of Altoona; and many other relatives and friends. A graveside service was held Saturday, March 26 at the Altoona Cemetery.

Eugene ‘Junior’ Charles Irwin

Eugene “Junior” Charles Irwin, 93, of Redfield, died March 20, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. A memorial service was held at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel on Thursday, March 24. Burial of cremains will take place on Friday, March 25, 9:30 a.m., at Iowa Veterans Cemetery north of Van Meter.
He was born in Louisville, Kentucky. His family then moved to De Soto where he graduated from De Soto Consolidated School District in 1944. Following school, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in February of 1946. Upon his return from the Navy, he married Martha JoAnn Hidlebaugh on July 2, 1952. The couple had four children, Sheryl, Pat, Maria and Kathy. Junior worked a few years for Lennox Heating and Cooling before moving to Economy Forms Corp. where he worked for 29.5 years before retiring on Dec. 31, 1990.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; daughters, Sheryl (Paul) Fountas, Pat (Dave) Griffith, Maria (Jack) Gunoe and Kathy (Rodger) McLaughlin; and other relatives and friends.
A full obituary can be found online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jeffrey Welter

Jeffrey Welter, 63, died March 16, 2022. He was born in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1977. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for six years. He married Petra on Jan. 22, 1999, in Las Vegas. She survives him.
A visitation was held March 20 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. Burial was March 23 at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. A full obituary is online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Verna I. Osborn

Verna I. Osborn, 90, of Urbandale died March 12, 2022 at Senior Suites in Urbandale. A funeral service and life celebration were held Friday, March 18 at Gass-Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, Nebraska. The burial was at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.
She is survived by her children, Christine Osborn (Dave Sumners), Cathy Osborn, Debbie (John) Currie, Brad Osborn and Connie (Marc) Martin; 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Brandon Toepfer

Brandon Toepfer, 28, died March 12, 2022. He was born in Tacoma, Washington, and adopted by Gary Toepfer. He graduated high school in 2011 then went to work in construction. He was working as an installer for Renewal by Anderson.
He is survived by his mom, Jeannette, and “bonus dad” Doug Fricke; sisters and brothers Casaliena Toepfer, Haley Toepfer, Sebrina (Benjiman) Searl, Brandon Fricke, Claire Fricke and Nate Fricke; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Toepfer, and grandfather Kenny Toepfer.
A Celebration of Life was held March 19 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale.

Glen Joseph Sievers

Glen Joseph Sievers, 57, died March 18, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. Services were held March 23 at Iles Westover Chapel. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. He was born in Carroll and graduated from Carroll Kuemper High School. He received his associate’s degree from Des Moines Area Community College. He worked as a mechanic for Granger Motors, and, for the last 22 years, he worked as a maintenance manager for PDI in Ankeny. In 1990, he married Beth Anderson. They made their home in Urbandale, where they raised their son, Jonathan. Beth, Jonathan and Jonathan’s fiancé ,Kristen Sims, survive him.
Glen was an avid baseball fan, player and umpire. He umpired for the Urbandale Little League for more than 20 years.
Arrangements were handled by Iles Westover Chapel.

Joel Dwight Vaughn

Memorial services for Joel Dwight Vaughn, 63, who died March 15, 2022, in Pleasantville, were held March 20 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Joel Dwight Vaughn was born in Newton. He attended Newton High School before working for his father’s company, Vaughn Flooring. Joel and Patricia had three children: Travis, Trevor and Tiffany, who survive him. They moved to Pensacola, Florida, in 1988. Joel started his own business, JD Flooring, when he came back to Iowa, teaching his children the family trade. In 1999 Joel bought his first home near Rock Creek Lake.