Iowa Living Magazines

Jana Marie Canny

Jana Marie Canny, 57, died Oct. 11, 2022, at Kavanagh Hospice House with her family by her side. Much courage and grace was shown by Jana throughout her nine-year battle with cancer. Jana was born in Sumter, South Carolina, to Jon and Rita Hovey. She resided in Des Moines and Johnston from age 5, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1984 and Iowa State University in 1988 with a degree in elementary education. Jana began her teaching career at Brody Middle School in Des Moines, where she taught for 32 straight years. Jana married Todd Canny in 1990; they had three children.
Jana is survived by her husband; children Alex, Taylor and Connor; parents Rita Hovey and Jon (Betty) Hovey; brother; mother-in-law and many extended family members. Funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 17 at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines. A private burial took place at Pine Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Every Step/Kavanagh House in her memory.

Dan Render

Daniel Richard Render, 78, died Oct. 8, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston. Dan retired in 2006 from the Department of Inspections and Appeals as an administrative court judge.
In his free time, Dan enjoyed working in his yard and sitting in his solarium reading the paper. For many years, Dan would attend events at the state fairgrounds. Dan cared deeply for all animals and had many dogs and cats over the years. Dan enjoyed taking his dogs on long walks around Beaverdale and the Des Moines area.
Among his survivors are his sisters, Diane Render and Toni Gobble. Daniel was laid to rest at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League.

Terry Lee Meier

Terry Lee Meier, 60, died Oct. 9, 2022, at his home in Adel. Terry was born in Des Moines to Robert and Sandra (Whitcomb) Meier. He grew up in West Des Moines and went to school at Ruby Van Meter in Des Moines. He worked happily at Red Lobster for many years while living in Florida and Iowa. He won several medals for swimming in the Iowa Special Olympics.
Terry is survived by his mother; brother, Randall; uncle and aunt Dick and Joyce Atwell; nieces Jaclyn Meier, Paige Meier and Kaylee Miller; nephew Alex Miller; and cousin Melody Atwell. He was preceded in death by his father; step-father James Joering; and sister, Michelle Meier Miller.
A visitation and memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 17 at Sunset Memorial Chapel. Terry was laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Wayne Riggs Welsh

Wayne Riggs Welsh, 68, of Polk City, died Oct. 12, 2022. A visitation for Wayne will be held Thursday, Oct. 20 from 9-11 a.m. at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 W. First St., Ankeny. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.

Mary Ann Nielsen

Mary Ann Carey Nielsen, 81, died Oct. 5, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston after a year-long battle with breast cancer. The daughter of William and Hazel Carey, she graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Fonda in 1959. She attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City for two years before moving to Omaha, where she was employed by the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company. She married Ron Nielsen in 1969. They moved to Des Moines in 1972. Their children attended Johnston Community Schools, where Mary Ann was an active parent and volunteer. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Beaverdale for the past 50 years.
Mary Ann returned to work in 1983 at Mercy Hospital, retiring as the director of volunteer services in 2000. During her career, she returned to school and graduated from Simpson College in 1995 with a degree in speech communication and management. After retiring from Mercy, Mary Ann worked at AIB College of Business as the director of career services for 10 years, retiring as the senior director of advancement and member of the President’s Cabinet in 2010. She continued to work as a contracted grant writer until 2020. She was known throughout Des Moines for her volunteerism, serving on countless boards. At one point, there were 20 active positions on her resume. She was given the Governor’s Volunteer Award four times and, along with her husband, was named Johnston’s Citizen of the Year in 2006. She was selected as an Iowa Woman of Achievement in 2010 and received the Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for the Blind and Print Handicapped (IRIS) Dorothy B. Kirsner Award in 2014.
Mary Ann is survived by her children Robert (Michelle) and Kate (Tony), three grandsons, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and many beloved cousins.
A mass of Christian burial was held Wednesday, Oct. 12 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Des Moines. Memorials are suggested to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Iowa Radio Reading Information Service for Blind and Print Handicapped (IRIS), or Mercy Hospice of Johnston.

Ethel Lucille Hennessey

Ethel Lucille (Lu) Hennessey, 98, died Oct. 2, 2022. She was born in Logan to Nels and Millie Larson Nelson. She attended school in Logan, graduating in 1942, then attended Jennie Edmunson School of Nursing in Council Bluffs, graduating in 1946. In September 1946, Lucille married Kenneth Bauer. The family lived in Council Bluffs until 1954, when they moved to Denison. Lucille worked with Kenneth at their Dairy Treet and Lindsay Soft Water business. Lucille returned to nursing at Crawford County Hospital in 1970, retiring in 1990. Kenneth died in 1987. Lucille married Dr. John Hennessey and moved to Manilla in 1993. Lucille loved her children and grandchildren and John’s children and grandchildren.
Lucille was a registered nurse, a member of the American Red Cross, United Presbyterian Church, and past member of Federated Women’s Club. In 2018, Lucille moved to Brio in Johnston and resided there until her death.
Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, sister, four brothers, husbands, and son Curtis Bauer. She is survived by children Susan (Dean) Hulsebus and William (Sharon) Bauer; daughter-in-law Kathy Bauer; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; six step-children; and numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and extended family and friends.
Graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Mia Mable Fidler-Nguyen

Mia Mable Rae Fidler-Nguyen, 12, died Sept. 30, 2022, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Mia was born in Des Moines. She transferred school districts from West Des Moines to Johnston in 2020 and most recently attended Summit Middle School. Mia enjoyed the outdoors, going camping and fishing regularly with her mom and step-dad, Phi, riding her bicycle and going golfing with her Papa and Phi. She enjoyed karate and making TikToks with her cousin, Bailey. Mia cared for her two dogs, Lucy and Blu, and three cats, Louie, Libby and Lenny.
Mia is survived by her mom, Hannah Fidler; step-dad Phi Nguyen; grandpa Doug Fidler; grandma Kris Fidler; biological father; brothers Jayron, Javon and Caleb; and many extended family members. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents Mary and Don Watkins, Mable Doris and Floyd Fidler and her Nonnie, Sandy Hoover.
Visitation, luncheon and funeral were held Saturday, Oct. 15 at Shepherd of the Valley Church, in West Des Moines. Memorials are suggested to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Keith Jamieson

Keith Alan Jamieson, 81, of Johnston, died at UnityPoint Health Iowa Methodist Medical Center on Oct. 3, 2022. Keith was born in Fort Dodge to Bernard and Dorothy (Gilbert) Jamieson. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School and attended college at Iowa Central Community College. He married Judith Ann Brandrup in 1962 and had three children. Keith worked for more than 40 years for Hormel then worked for Hy-Vee and Walmart before deciding to enjoy retirement.
Keith is survived by his children, Scott (Debbie) Jamieson, Shelley (Tony) Stravers and Kit (Jill) Jamieson; nine grandchildren; and three brothers. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother and two siblings-in-law.
Visitation was Friday, Oct. 7 at Sunset Memorial Chapel & Gardens in Des Moines. Burial was at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge.

Arlene Cook

Arlene Cook, 89, of Adel, died on Oct. 10, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in West Des Moines. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, at the Oakdale Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Arlene Beverly Cook was born on Sept. 11, 1933, to Roy and Clara (Herkey) Hutton. She was a graduate of Emmetsburg High School. Over the years, she worked as a legal secretary. Arlene enjoyed playing bingo and painting in her free time. In her later days, she enjoyed traveling, especially every winter when she would snowbird in Texas. While in Texas, she liked to make the journey across the southern border to spend some time in Mexico.
Arlene is survived by her two children, Doug (Eva) Cook Jr. and Kathy Cooley; grandchildren, Cari, Jodi, and Doug III (Jennifer); along with five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doug, Sr.; a sister, Phyllis (LeRoy) Twait; and a son-in-law, Joseph Cooley.

David Julian Erbes

David Julian Erbes died at home surrounded by family on Sept. 20, 2022, due to complications from cancer. David was born to Mary (Anderson) and Charles Erbes and grew up in Mendota, Illinois. After graduating from Mendota High School, he attended the University of Illinois and Drake University Law School, graduating in 1984. While attending law school, he met Jennifer Nielsen. They married in August 1984 and welcomed two sons.
David practiced law in the Des Moines area for more than 20 years. He left his law practice and went on to work for Lowe’s in a number of positions. David was a member and board participant of several organizations over his lifetime: Westminster Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge, Blue Lodge in Mendota, Bloomington Consistory, Tebala Shrine, Civic Music Association, Oak Leaf Hockey parents association, Johnston High School Band Parents Association and, most recently, Green Meadows West Homeowners Association.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years; sons, Grant (Anna Jaeger) and Neil; grandson; mother; sister, Julie Erbes-Pierce (Jeff Pierce); and other loving family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his father and infant daughter, Elizabeth.
Services were held Saturday, Oct. 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines. Private interment will be held at a later date at Restland Cemetery in Mendota, Illinois. Memorial contributions are suggested to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines Symphony or Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Online condolences will be welcomed at www.IlesCares.com.

Dale F. Madison

Dale F. Madison died of natural causes at MercyOne Medical Center on Sept. 14, 2022. He was born April 6, 1933, to Robert Madison and Mabel Thompson Madison at home in Johnston. Dale attended Johnston schools. He worked for multiple companies and had many years of service with Penn-Dixie cement plant. When Penn-Dixie closed, the packing house was sold and Dale and other employees were hired to run the cement silos for shipping and receiving, which he did until he retired. Dale married his high school sweetheart, Delores May Wolfe, in 1950; they were married for 58 years and had three children.
Dale is survived by three children, Steve (Mary) Madison, Jeff Madison, and Pam (Lou) Flemming; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, nine siblings, his wife, and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 24 at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines, with burial at Jordan Cemetery. Online condolences are welcomed at IlesCares.com.

Jerry Lee Evans Sr.

Jerry Lee Evans Sr., of Johnston, died Sept. 19, 2022. He was born to Daniel Evans and Fern (Nihiser) Evans on Oct. 10, 1940. Jerry was a tire builder at Firestone in Des Moines, an avid golfer and had a passion for Corvettes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Susan (Sally) Evans, and their children, Justine (Mark) Davis, Jan (Rick) Chumbley, Jerry (Jake) Evans Jr., and Jody (Jeff) Kimrey; grandchildren, Chelsea Lindgren, Carly (Sal) Camarada, Nichole Chumbley, Calvin Kimrey, Katelyn Chumbley, Megan Kimrey and Jase Evans; and great-grandchildren, Carter Peterson, and Ari Royce.
Memorial contributions can be sent to @justinedavis via Venmo. Online condolences are at www.dyamondmemorial.com.

Phyllis Ann Spearing York

Phyllis Ann Spearing York, 93, of Adel, died Sept. 25, 2022, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes. A visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 29 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel. The funeral service was at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren, northwest of Adel. Burial followed at Panther Creek Church of the Brethren Cemetery.
Phyllis was born Jan. 1, 1929 at home in Perry to parents LaVerne Morris Spearing and Alma Marie Crispin Spearing.
Phyllis graduated from Perry High School in 1946. She worked as a classified advertising manager and circulation manager at the Perry Daily Chief newspaper. Later, she was employed as a secretary and bookkeeper at Farmer’s Hybrid Seed Corn and as a teller and bookkeeper at Perry State Bank.
On July 6, 1963 she married the love of her life, Carroll Lee York of Adel. She transitioned from office worker to a working farm wife. Together, Carroll and Phyllis raised their four sons, Gregory, Randall, Kent and Daniel on the farm. To feed this crew, Phyllis baked bread once or twice a week, making a dozen loaves at a time. Her delicious bread became legendary with extended family and in the Panther and Adel areas.
She was a member of Friendly Neighbors, S and V, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and TTT. Phyllis served on the Dallas County Hospital Board and the ADM High School Scholarship Board. She also led a Cub Scout Pack.
Phyllis was an active member of Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. She served as a leader of the youth group, teacher of Sunday school and Bible school, member of the altar committee, and member of Women’s Fellowship.
Painting was a great joy to her. She painted on canvas, saw blades, rocks and barn boards. In the 1980s, she began a business where she made replicas of buildings and houses by cutting a board to the shape of a structure and painting the colors and details of the building. She painted hundreds of replicas for customers from all across the country. She continued to paint till her final days.
Phyllis enjoyed cooking, sewing and crafts. She and Carroll also traveled extensively around the country and liked to fish together whether at nearby ponds or the big lakes of Canada. She enjoyed living in Panther and having her family near for frequent gatherings that she organized.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and LaVerne Spearing; brother Keith Spearing; and sisters Marjorie Courtney, June Bailey and Diana Springer.
She is survived by husband Carroll; sons Greg (Sue) York, Randy (Deb) York, Kent (Michelle) York, and Dan (Kathy) York; grandchildren Christine (Michael) Meggison, Caren (Nate) Linderman, Randy York II, Alex (Tasha) York, Hannah (Nick) Caranci, and Samantha York; and great grandchildren York, Tess, Jack, Everly, Jaxon, Tucker, Marley and Nash.
Memorials are suggested to Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. Online condolences maybe left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

David Donald Hendricks

David Donald Hendricks, 74, of Adel, died Sept. 20, 2022, at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines. David was born to Keith and Madeline Hendricks in Tacoma, Washington. Their family moved to Iowa where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1968. David enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served 1970-72. In 1994, David married Joyce Patton; they spent more than 20 years together. He spent most of his working career employed through Meredith Publishing Co.
David is survived by his brother, Dennis (Janet) Hendrick; step-daughter, Julie (Jared) Morris; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Diane Wise; and brother-in-law, David Wise.
Memorial service and visitation were held Monday, Sept. 26, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel. Burial took place at the Blair Chapel Cemetery in rural Madison County. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Arnold Whitney

Arnold Whitney, 97, of Redfield died following an automobile accident on Sept. 20, 2022. Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Burial was at the Harper Cemetery near Redfield.
Arnold was born on Feb.17, 1925, to Paul and Evelyn (Clark) Whitney at home in Kennedy Station.
Arnold graduated from Redfield High School in 1943. He served in WWII until he was honorably discharged. After the war, he farmed and worked various jobs in and around the Des Moines area.
Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Hazel Whitney (2017) and Dora (Whitney) Weideman (2010), brother-in-law Jim Weideman (2017) and nephew Greg Weideman (1976). He is survived by his nephews and nieces, Jeff (Aimee) Weideman of Cedar Falls, Sue (Bruce) Light of Gowrie, Sandy (Curt) Sloan of Center Point, Mitch (Anne) Weideman of Center Point, and Anne (Tony) Dailey of Fort Dodge. He is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, Megan (Adam) Kulow, Kevin (Krystal) Light, Nick (Leila) Sloan, Hannah Sloan, Haley Weideman, Abbey Weideman, Stephanie Dailey and Allison Dailey, and a great-great nephew Wyatt Kulow. Also, cousins residing in Texas, Illinois, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Florida survive.
Memorials will be left to the discretion of the family. Online condolences maybe left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Gloria Marie Brewer

Gloria Marie Brewer, 75, died Sept. 10, 2022, at Methodist Hospital after a short battle with lung cancer. Gloria was born to Glenn Hamilton and Muriel Minerva Everson in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She graduated from Viroqua High School and attended Wisconsin State in LaCrosse and later received two years of secretary training in Winona.
Gloria was passionate about her work at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital in Des Moines, where she worked for more than 40 years as a purchasing agent. After retiring from the VA, she spent her days volunteering through several organizations including Methodist West Hospital and Grimes Volunteer Support Services and working at the Johnston Public Library.
Left to cherish Gloria’s memory are her husband of 34 years, Jay Brewer; their combined children, Heather Gibson (Ron), Derek Brewer (Valerie), Angela Bogle (Chris Riekens), and Michael Bogle; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and another on the way; two brothers and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29, with a memorial gathering one hour prior at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1001 S. James St., Grimes. In lieu of flowers, Gloria’s family asks memorials be directed to the Johnston Public Library Foundation at foundation.johnstonlibrary.com.

Erika Saari Williams

Erika Saari Williams died at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines on Sept. 4, 2022. Erika was born in Ames in 1978 to Dennis and Kathleen Saari. She graduated from Ames High School in 1996, then Hamline University in Minneapolis, with a double major in economics and political science. In the summer of 2000, she moved to Seoul, South Korea, to teach English to school-age children. There, Erika met her future husband, U.S. Army officer Steven Williams. They married in the mountains of Colorado. Erika got a full-time job at the Bank of the Broadmoor and graduated from the MBA program at Colorado State University in 2004. The couple later lived in South Carolina, Alabama, Italy, Belgium, then back to South Korea. Erika started Oscar Elnes Photography, a business she could take with her on the couple’s life travels. In 2017, the couple welcomed their twin sons, Luca and Grant.
In 2018, Erika received a cancer diagnosis that forced the family to move to Hawaii for surgeries and treatments. They returned to Iowa to be near family in October of 2021.
Erika leaves behind her husband; sons; mother; sister, Jessica; brother-in-law, Adam; two nephews; a niece; and many extended family and friends. Erika was preceded in death by her father.
Celebration of life is 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept., 30 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Visitation will be one hour prior, with a flowing reception following the service.

John Michael Sacco

John Michael Sacco of Polk City died Sept. 2, 2022. He was born Sept. 16, 1956. John was a retired ironworker from Local 67. He was very proud of that. John was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Charleen Sacco. He is survived by three children, three grandchildren, three brothers, two sisters and many friends. A celebration of life will be held Friday, Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ironworkers Training Center, 2221 E. Ovid Ave., Des Moines.

Rebecca 'Becky" McChurch

Rebecca “Becky” Lee (Peters) McChurch, 67, died Sept. 3, 2022. Becky was instrumental in developing and starting the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Alumni Association, serving as the inaugural president and editor of the “Tiger Tracks” from 1997 to 2001. Becky retired in September 2020 after many years of working for a variety of companies in Iowa, California and Arizona, most recently at YellowBlue in Pleasant Hill.
When Becky was diagnosed with cancer and had completed her first round of chemotherapy, she wrote the following: “I’ve been so very lucky to have basked in the love and support of my beloved girlfriends, classmates from Adel, work friends, kids and awesome husband — all are a joy in my life.”
Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Sharon (Rinard) and Wayne Peters and sister, Melissa (Peters) Ross. Becky is survived by her husband of 34 years, Joe; sons, Shane (fiancé Amelia Goldsby) and Morgan; her mom, Carol Peters “who took on the challenge,” three siblings and many friends.
A celebration of life was held Friday, Sept. 9 at Becky and Joe’s home. Memorials are suggested to the ADM Alumni Association, P.O. Box 122, Adel, IA 50003. Inurnment of cremains will be at Fairview Cemetery in Madison Township at a later date.

James (Jim) Kearney

James (Jim) Kearney, 89, died Sept. 1, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston. Jim was born to Leo and Luella (Kenworthy) Kearney in Weller. He grew up working on the family farm before joining the Navy where he spent two years. He then worked for United Airlines at the Des Moines airport for 36 years, retiring in 1994, then found a couple of part-time jobs before beginning his second career at Pioneer in Johnston. He retired from Pioneer after 15 years at the age of 80.
Jim is survived by his children, Kim (Steve) Thilges, Jim (Laura) Kearney, Jeff (Carol) Kearney; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three siblings. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol, his parents, and sister Marilyn Robnett.
Visitation for Jim was held at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines on Monday, Sept. 5. Funeral Mass was Tuesday, Sept. 6 at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church in Des Moines, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Memorials for Jim can be directed to MercyOne Hospice.

Marilyn K. Murphy

Marilyn K. Murphy, 85, died Sept. 3, 2022, at Brio in Johnston. Marilyn was born in Newton to Paul and Helen Murdy. She graduated from Newton High School and Cornell College with a degree in elementary education. In 1958, she married Cleo Murphy. They made their home in Des Moines, where they raised their two children.
Marilyn was a first-grade teacher for the Des Moines school system and later helped develop the Head Start Program in West Des Moines. Marilyn was an active member of the Methodist Church. She was a past president of PEO and involved with numerous chapters in each community she lived in. Marilyn and Cleo retired to Florida, where they lived for 15 years, returning to Des Moines in November 2018, residing at Brio in Johnston.
Marilyn is survived by her husband; children, Linda (John) Waldron and Bruce (Kerrie) Murphy; nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a sister, Lynette (Bob) Doyle.
A memorial gathering and service was held Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Iles Westover Chapel, with private interment at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Windsor United Methodist or Wesley Life Hospice.

DeWayne Gary Snyder

DeWayne Gary Snyder, 82, died Aug. 30, 2022, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. DeWayne was born to Lester and Gwen (Morgan) Snyder and raised in the Grimes area. He married Glendyne Stepp in 1958. They eventually settled in a little neighborhood south of Johnston called Dogpatch, where they raised two daughters.
DeWayne was a skilled painter his whole life. He started traveling the Midwest and some southern states painting water towers. A serious accident transitioned him to somewhat safer groundwork. He opened DG Snyder interiors in the mid 1980s until retirement in 2007.
DeWayne is preceded in death by his wife; sister, Karen Hunt, and daughter, Terry Mather. DeWayne is survived by his daughter, Tina (Larry) Carroll; grandchildren Heather (Seward) and Christopher Guthrie, Tom Gates, Anna, Kaylan, Trinity and Sara Garrick; and four great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Brooks Funeral Care, with burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the local ARL.

Merlin Siefken

Merlin Siefken, 77, of Johnston, died Sept. 2, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. The son of Heino and Esther (Kapels) Siefken, Merlin was born in Wayne, Nebraska. He graduated from Creston High School in 1963, then the University of Nebraska in 1967 with a degree in mechanized agriculture. In 1966, he married Nancy Johannes. Merlin worked for John Deere Financial for 34 years before retiring. This involved living in Lincoln, Nebraska; Red Oak; Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and in the Des Moines metro area, where he retired. In 2007, Merlin started Siefken Management Services, LLC. Merlin and Nancy were active in every church they joined.
His legacy will continue in the hearts of his loving wife; children, Steven (Krista) Siefken, Robin (Kevin) Lowman, and Craig (Jennifer) Siefken; nine grandchildren; two brothers; and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Delbert.
Visitation and funeral service was held Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale, with private family burial at Sunny Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gloria Dei Foundation or MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Online condolences and the full obituary may be found at www.caldwellparrish.com

Paula Sue Grapp

Paula Sue Grapp, 55, died Sept. 1, 2022, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Paula was born to Dwayne and Barbara (Young) Culp, grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Hoover High School in 1985. She married Martin Lee Grapp in 1989. Paula and Marty decided to raise their children in Adel and homeschool them.
Paula was diagnosed with cancer on her birthday in the spring of 2014. Her faith was central in her life. She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Andrew Culp. Paula is survived by her husband; mother; children and their spouses, Andrew and Hannah Grapp, Austin and Melissa Grapp, and Abrianna and Daniel Johnson; four grandchildren; five siblings; and extended family and friends.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Keystone Church in Ankeny. Family greeted friends on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines.

Marvin H. Sandvick, Jr.

Marvin H. Sandvick, Jr. died Sept. 5, 2022, after recently being diagnosed with cancer. Marv was born in 1952 to Marvin H., Sr. and Ruth Sandvick in Nevada, Iowa. He graduated from Boone High School in 1970, then attended DMACC and graduated as a diesel mechanic. He worked in the field until he later moved to the U.S. Postal Service, working at the National Distribution Center in Urbandale until retiring in 2018. Marv married Sandy in October 1972. Together they raised two children in Polk City.
Marv is survived by his wife; sibling, Myron; children, Melissa (Ethan) Smith and Matt (Jessie) Sandvick; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sibling, Marcy Olson-Turner and an infant sister.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m on Thursday, Sept. 8 at Memorial Services of Iowa, 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny. A graveside service will be 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 9 at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Randall Karl Applegate

Randall Karl Applegate, 68, died Sept. 5, 2022, at home with family by his side. Randy was born to Clifford and Alene (Butler) Applegate in Maxwell. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including construction, heating and cooling, and at Parker Games. He retired from Firestone after 30 years. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for Waukee and Clive.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Robert Applegate and Barb Ridgway. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Gwen; four children, Aaron (Amy) Applegate, Bobby (Cindy) Applegate, Dominic (Samantha) Hayden and Michelle (Ronnie) Thomas; four siblings; a sister-in-law; and 12 grandchildren.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Sept. 8 at the Redfield American Legion Hall, followed by a graveside service at Harper Cemetery, north of Redfield. Memorial contributions can be directed to the family.

Mary Jo Wilson

Mary Jo (Kitterman) Wilson, 91, died Aug. 25, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center. She was born in Ottumwa to Robert and Gertrude Kitterman. Mary married Ronald Wilson in 1961. She graduated from Ottumwa Heights Academy. She was employed by Northwestern Bell until her retirement. She was also a proud member of CWA Union for many years. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church.
She is survived by her children, Brian (Janet) Wilson, Steve (Cindy) Wilson, Timothy (Vy) Wilson; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and sister Maureen (John) Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers and two sisters. A private family burial was held at Chapel Hill Gardens on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Memorial donations may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Wayne Charles Kollath

Wayne Charles Kollath, 85, died Aug. 21, 2022, at home in Johnston. Wayne was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Erwin and Marie (Pennicker) Kollath. Wayne was a man of faith, and he carried that through his peaceful passing.
Wayne earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physical education and recreation from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and a master’s degree in reading education from Cardinal Stritch University. Wayne extended his education further at Marquette University, in education administration. He was revered within the Milwaukee Public Schools for 35 years. Wayne was a proud Army veteran, having served in Germany during peacetime. He and Barbara moved to Iowa in 2014.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Barbara Brodzeller Kollath; children Sam (Gwen Lovell) Kollath and Katherine (Bo) Kollath Peabody; five grandchildren; a brother and extended family. Family and friends celebrated Wayne’s life at Brio of Johnston on Saturday, Aug. 27. A memorial is planned in Milwaukee for spring 2023.

Sandra ‘Sandy’ Jean Bauer

Sandra “Sandy” Jean Bauer died Aug. 23, 2022, following a brief illness. She was born in 1939 in Grand Meadow, Minnesota, and grew up on the family dairy farm in Prescott, Wisconsin. She attended and graduated from Prescott High School. Following graduation, Sandy worked as a nurse’s aide prior to enrolling and graduating from Charles T. Miller Hospital earning her LPN degree. In 1960, she married Michael Martin Bauer. They lived in Georgia, Minnesota, then Iowa in 1974, where Sandy enjoyed a successful career with Blue Cross Blue Shield, retiring in 2000. During her retirement, she worked part-time and dedicated her time to volunteering in the classroom and enjoyed mentoring students. She was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Central Iowa P. Buckley Moss Society.
Sandy is survived by her children Randy (Carmen) Bauer, Boyd Bauer, Michelle (Bill) Dudek, and Jocelyn (Orrin) Bauer-Nelson; eight grandchildren; four siblings and several extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Leo and Jean Schroeder; and six siblings-in-law.
Sandy’s generous donation through the Iowa Donor Network will provide enough tissue to help 25 breast cancer patients with breast reconstruction surgery. In Sandy’s memory, monetary donations can be made to St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1200 Warrior Lane, Waukee, Iowa 50263.

David Allen Lansing

David Allen Lansing, 80, died Aug. 19, 2022. Dave was born in Rolfe. He graduated from Indianola High School, Simpson College and later received his master’s degree from Northwest Missouri State. Dave coached high school boys’ basketball for 33 years, was a two-time state golf champion coach, and, in retirement, was a Hall of Fame softball umpire. He was a member of the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association, and, in 1999, was inducted into the Iowa Boys Basketball Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diane Lansing; children, Angela Lansing, Greg (Kristi) Lansing and Steve Lansing; and four grandchildren. Services were held Friday, Aug. 26 at Westview Church in Waukee. Memorials may be directed to the Waukee Area Christian Services. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Avis Eleanor (Sanderson) Richards

Avis Eleanor (Sanderson) Richards, 88, of Waukee died Aug. 24, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Avis was born in Willmar, Minnesota, the daughter of Rudolph (Duff) M. Sanderson and Helen Garman. She was a member of Des Moines Women’s Club. Avis was proud to be a founding member of Walnut Hills United Methodist Church and continued worshiping there for the rest of her life. Avis is survived by her four children; Elizabeth, Paul, David and Daniel.
A memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 29 at Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Urbandale. Memorials can be directed to the Walnut Hills United Methodist Church in Avis’s honor. Condolences may be left directly to the family by visiting www.IowaCremation.com.

Ellen Lane

Ellen Lane, 92, of Waukee, died Aug. 22, 2022. Ellen was born in Missouri to Horace and Ada (Wiliams) Dawson. The Dawson family moved to the Runnells area when she was 13. In 1948, she married Russell Lane, and they raised two daughters in Runnells. After Russell’s death, Ellen moved to Adel and then Waukee, where she lived the past 20 years.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Kathy Forret; two grandsons and three great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karla; husband, Russell; parents and two brothers. Private graveside services were held Friday, Aug. 26 at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells.

Carol Ann Newberry Hackney

Carol Ann Newberry Hackney, 86, a resident at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, formerly of Adel, Grinnell, Newton and Conway, Arkansas, died on Aug. 26, 2022, after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Carol was born Aug. 7, 1936, at home in Faulkner County, Arkansas, to Forun and Lois Powell Newberry. Her father died when she was only 8, so she helped to raise her sisters while her mother worked in the cotton fields to make ends meet. They later moved into town to Conway, where her mother met and married Zane Lovidee Strickland, and a brother was born to their family. The family moved north to Newton in her early teens. Carol is a graduate of Newton High School.
Carol married Keith Hackney, and they had three children. She spent many years raising the children. When they were older, she had many different jobs (dime store clerk, meat department, jewelry store clerk, dry cleaner clerk, grocery store clerk, and working at the school lunch program), but her favorite was being with her kids. She had seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was a particularly good bowler and had many years at state tournaments.
She is survived by her daughter, Barb (Dick) Wicks of Adel; sons Doug (Stephanie) Hackney of Georgetown, Texas, and Jeff (Michele) Hackney of Temple, Texas; grandchildren Matthew Wicks, Melissa (Sean) Doyle, Adam (Carrie) Hackney, Amber Holeman-Richardson, Vance (Alex) Hackney, Chari Verespej and Shaun Verespej; great grandchildren Madison Wicks, Faith and Blakley Doyle, Madalynn, Hanna, and Tyler Hackney, Nakeya Richardson, Julia and Troy Holeman; and sisters Brenda Damman and Wanda (Dick) Lammey, brother Rick (Marsha) Strickland and 11 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life with a visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Adel, from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2. Funeral services will be at Faith Lutheran Church, Adel, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel. Memorials are suggested to Spurgeon Manor or Faith Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

John Clarence Wicks

John Clarence Wicks, 81, died Aug. 21, 2022, at Edencrest in Tuscany in Altoona. John was born to Dale and Ruth Wicks in Adel. John spent his early years as a carpenter building many houses in the Adel area. From there he worked various trades in Illinois and Wisconsin before moving to Des Moines, where he worked as a maintenance man for Adventureland Inn until his retirement. John married the love of his life, Maureen Barton Wicks, in 1978, with a ceremony in their new home which John built in Adel.
John is survived by his son Mike Wicks; stepdaughter Julie (Art) Jeffries; four grandchildren; a great grandchild; four siblings and many friends. John is preceded in death by his wife; son Marty Wicks; stepdaughter Jolene Watson; brother Paul Wicks; and his parents.
Services were held Thursday, Sept. 1 at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd., Clive.

Dorothy C. Steen

Dorothy C. Steen (nee Fauth), 85, of Johnston, died Aug. 13, 2022. She was born in Medina, North Dakota. She is survived by her children, Sandra Vera, Randahl Steen (Diana) and Susan Botts (Steve); three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother; and four nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Sophie Fauth (nee Moser); sister and brother-in-law.
Dorothy graduated from Medina High School in 1955 then attended Westmar College in LeMars. She also later took numerous classes at Estherville Community College and earned significant college credit from work experience. Dorothy became a member of her local church in Medina during high school, attended the Methodist/United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake, and became a “Mahdi” in the church of Eckankar, which allowed her to teach classes (her favorite was on dreams) and perform ceremonies as clergy. She enjoyed attending worldwide Eck seminars.
Dorothy had a variety of jobs over her lifetime: telephone operator, co-manager of indoor and outdoor theaters (Royal and Spirit), Berkley and Co. homeworker; bookkeeper; grocery store cashier; a Department of Human Services caseworker in Iowa and Texas; and a collections agent. She lived in many places, including North Dakota, Texas, Nebraska and, in Iowa: LeMars, Spirit Lake, Arnolds Park, Bettendorf, West Des Moines and Johnston.
Dorothy’s inurnment will be private. However, you can honor her memory by donating in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Linda Lee Wentland

Linda Lee Wentland (née Veldman) died Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at her home in Adel. Linda was a devoted wife to her husband, Allen, of 45 years, and a proud and loving mother to her seven children. Linda’s life was full of love and family, and nothing was more important to her than her children and grandchildren. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Richard and Shirley Veldman, Linda came from a large family with her three brothers and four sisters, before going on to start her own. Creative and spirited, Linda enjoyed sewing, baking and working in her garden, tending the beautiful flowers that made her happy. She enjoyed collecting things that made her smile, ranging from keychains and clocks to memorabilia of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, of which she was a lifelong fan. She will be remembered as a caring and loving mother, raising and guiding not only her own children, but the many others she babysat, took under her wing, or supported in all their hopes and dreams. Linda will be greatly missed, but her memory and legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, and all the lives she touched while on her journey.
Linda is survived by her husband, Allen; her children, Nicholas, Justin, Trisha, Sadie, Alyssa, Nicole and Sharissa; her grandchildren, Michael, Serena, Alexavior, Aries, Arwyn and Gwendolyn; and her siblings, Michael, David, Donna, Kathleen, Barbara and Todd. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard; mother, Shirley; and sister, Joyce.
A celebration of life will be held at the Adel Public Library Community Room on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 3-6 p.m.

Sharon Rochholz

Sharon Rochholz, 81, of West Des Moines, formerly of Adel, died Aug. 22, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center. A visitation will take place at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel on Aug. 26 from 10-10:45 a.m., followed immediately by a procession that will depart to the Iowa Veterans Cemetery for the committal service which will begin at 11 a.m.
Sharon Rochholz was born Oct. 23, 1940 to Arnold and Marjorie (Clark) Griffin in Anita. Sharon graduated Anita High School in 1958. On Aug. 1, 1959, Anita was united in marriage with Larrie Rochholz. To this union two children were born, Cara and Rob. Sharon was a dedicated housewife for many years and also worked for Valley Industrial Services after her children were older. She was a collector of many things and especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas. She also enjoyed painting ceramics, reading and frequenting a good garage sale to find her next treasures. While she had numerous hobbies, her most cherished time was with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Larrie; children, Cara Campbell and Rob Rochholz; grandchildren, Ashley Campbell, Brooke Sekulich and Braden Campbell; one great-grandchild, Lily; sisters, Sandra and Judy; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Gloria.

Claydon Polzin

Claydon Polzin, 90, of Waukee, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2022. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel. His children will greet friends and family at the funeral home for one hour before the service on Saturday. Burial will be held at a later date.
Claydon was born on Sept. 21, 1931, in rural South Dakota. He was a member of the Resurrection Church in Ankeny. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a retired U.S. Postal Service employee. He enjoyed reading, comics, spending time with family and good conversations. Claydon rarely went anywhere without meeting someone he knew.
He is survived by his three children, Paulette (Michael) Philpott, Clay (Shel) Polzin and Cathilyn Polzin; three grandchildren, Carlie (Alex) Philpott, Ryan Philpott and Jenna Polzin; five great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Caleb, Tristan, Traxton and Trycen Philpott; and his sister, Donna Magedanz.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Marion; his parents; two brothers and two sisters.
In lieu of flowers, send memorial donations to the Korean War Veterans Association. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Shirley Stout

Shirley Stout, 85, of Pleasant Hill, formerly of Adel, died Aug. 12, 2022, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston. Shirley was born in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, to Glenn and Virginia (McGaughy) Ault. Shirley is survived by her husband, Stephen Stout; children, Glenn (Stephanie) Stout, Karen (Terry) Blanchard, and Gary (Corrine) Stout; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Moses) Powell-Eckstein, Matthew Blanchard, Ben Blanchard, Rebekah Blanchard, Tyler Stout, Sidney Stout, Trevor Stout and Gabe Stout; and her sister, Frances Lucas. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sandra Gasperini; and grandchildren, Joshua Blanchard and Ashley Stout.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home and burial was at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel. Memorial contributions can be directed to Rapids Street Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Deloris Ann Wilson

Deloris Ann Wilson died Aug. 14, 2022, at Independence Village Senior Care in Waukee. The daughter of Robert and Alta Ferguson, she was born on a farm west of Yale in 1929. She was proud to say that she attended Victory No. 1 and No. 2 country schools during her early years. She graduated from Yale High School in 1947.
In 1950, Deloris married Marion Wilson. They resided in Des Moines until 1952 when they moved to a farm west of Yale, where they had two sons. In 1962, the family moved to a farm south of Bagley, where she resided until Marion’s death in 1977. She spent several years working at local nursing homes during this time. She later moved with her companion, Veryl Olofson, to Waukee to be closer to family.
Deloris is survived by her son John (Deanna) Wilson; daughter-in-law Carolyn Wilson; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Bill (Janet) Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son Robert, brother Paul, and companion Veryl Olofson.
Private family graveside services were held at Moffitt Grove Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center. Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 21 at the Twigg Funeral Home, Panora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.

Sherree Reynolds Black

Sherree Reynolds Black, 59, died at home in Waukee on Aug. 16, 2022. She was born to Marvin and Margaret (Tallent) Reynolds in Atlanta, Georgia. Sherree married Jerry Black in 1996. They resided in Summerville, Georgia, until moving to Marshalltown in 2006 and eventually settling in Waukee in 2011. Sherree worked and studied hard and obtained her G.E.D. at the age of 45 and would go on to receive her nursing degree from Marshalltown Community College. She worked as an L.P.N. with the Des Moines VA Medical Center for a number of years.
She is survived by her husband; children, Brandon Clay Reynolds, Shelby Isabella Reynolds, Misty Rose (Yobel Ande) Black, Emily Justine (Jacob) Bailiff, Jonathon Shane (Abbey) Reynolds and Joshua Morgan; eight grandchildren and a brother. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Marshalltown Church of Christ, 1402 S. Center St., Marshalltown. Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Sherree’s final arrangements.

Kenneth Ralph Prideaux

Kenneth Ralph Prideaux, 91, of Johnston, died Aug. 7, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Ken was born in Swampscott, Massachusettes. He was a member of the class of 1949 at Swampscott High School and a 1953 graduate of Sioux Falls College (now Sioux Falls University) in South Dakota.
Ken began his working career as a newspaper reporter and wrote news and sports for several newspapers including the Centralia Fireside Guard, Creston News Advertiser, Nevada Evening Journal, Council Bluffs Nonpareil, and the Des Moines Register. While writing sports in Council Bluffs, he met Janet Jenkins at church. They married in 1964. In 1967, he began working for the State of Iowa as a disability examiner, where he retired after 29 years.
Ken is survived by his wife; children, Todd (Jodi), Corey (Amy “Brem” Bremers) and Michelle; six grandchildren; and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald, and daughter, Amy.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 19 at First Baptist Church in Johnston, with interment at Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Missouri Valley, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to First Baptist Church or Heifer Project International. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Donald Dean Trupke

Donald Dean Trupke, 92, of Johnston, died Aug. 6, 2022, at Brio in Johnston. He received his education in Carroll, where he graduated in 1948. He then enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country for two years. Following his discharge, he married Marion Swain in 1960.
Don and Marion made their home Algona, where they owned and operated Trupke Electric Motors Sales and Service and sold Milwaukee Tools from 1956-1995. Following Marion’s death in 2012, Don remained in Algona. For the past two years, he has been living at Brio in Johnston.
He is survived by a brother-in-law, Jim Smith; nephew Kevin (LuAnn) Smith; nieces Karen Smith and Amy Smith; three great-nephews, Blake (Meghann) Smith, Trent (Shantell) Smith, Reed Smith, and their children. Private family graveside services were held at the River View Cemetery in Algona.

Larry (Hayshaker) Snyder

Larry (Hayshaker) Snyder, 79, of Adel and Waukee, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at the Adel First Christian Church, with burial at the Waukee Cemetery. Family greeted friends Thursday, Aug. 18 at the First Christian Church in Adel.
Larry grew up with his sister, Sharon, and parents, Bruce and Dorothy Snyder, on the family’s Heritage Farm and Timberline Ranch Campground at Waukee. He graduated in 1961. He had two sons, TC and Travis, with his first wife, Gwen Belgarde. Later, he married Patricia Beal and had a daughter, Lacey.
Larry was always ready to share a story from many years hauling fuel and 17 years as transport driver for Iowa Lottery, retiring in 2010. In retirement, he drove part-time for Ankeny Sanitation and Manning Farms. Larry was passionate about his 1963 split-window, NASCAR and drag racing, breakfast with his buddies, and old Westerns. He was a member of Adel First Christian Church, with a soft spot for kids going to camp and the Kid’s Closet.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia; children, TC (Tina), Travis (Shawn) and Lacey Sedrel (John); sister, Sharon Hurst (Doug); grandchildren, Riata, Colton, Tatum, Piper, Timbre, Codi; mother-in-law, Margaret Beal; brothers-in-law, Bruce Beal (Debbie) and Jeff Beal (Mari); nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins and friends.
Memorial donations may be directed to Adel First Christian Church, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Kidney Foundation, or American Diabetes Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Robert ‘Bob’ Gillespie

After many days of being surrounded by friends and family, Robert “Bob” Gillespie died on Aug. 15, 2022 at the Johnston Hospice Care facility from an advanced stage of pancreatic cancer. Bob was born on Jan. 16, 1954 in Kalispell, Montana, to parents Bill and Gerri Gillespie, and was welcomed by two older brothers, Jim and Dan, and later joined by a younger brother, George. At the age of 15, Bob and his family moved to Granger.
Bob attended Stuart-Menlo high school and, at the tender age of 16, met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsie” Feltz. Bob and Betsie graduated from high school in 1972 and were joined in marriage on Oct. 6, 1973 in Dexter. They would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this October. Bob and Betsie moved to Adel in 1982 to raise their two children, Adam and Kelley. He finished his working career at the USPS after 25 years of service and poured his heart and soul into his job of being grandpa to his best buddies, Maggie and Theo.
Grandpa and Maggie had fun hunting for pirate treasure and hunting for squirrels. Theo enjoyed helping Grandpa build a good fire and kept him busy watching countless hours of Curious George. Bob had a lifelong love of tending his lawn and plants, kept the birds and squirrels well fed and was passionate about the photography and genealogy of his family.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21 with a visitation one hour prior at the Country Lane Lodge in Adel. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.
Bob is survived by his wife, Betsie; son, Adam (Dianna) Gillespie; daughter, Kelley (Jacob) Gillespie-Miller; grandchildren, Maggie Gillespie and Theo Miller; brothers, Jim Gillespie, Dan Gillespie and George (Peggy) Gillespie; along with many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Gillespie and Geraldine Nelson; step-father, Lowell Nelson; and sister-in-law, Susan Gillespie.

Cheryl Elaine Thompson

Cheryl Elaine Thompson died on Aug. 15, 2022, at her home in Des Moines surrounded by those she loved. Funeral services were Friday, Aug. 19 at Caldwell Parrish McCalley Chapel in Adel with burial at North McDonald Cemetery in rural Madison County.
Cheryl was married to Roger for 44 years, and together they raised Jason, Joshua, Kristen, Laura and Justin. Cheryl loved spending time with her 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, sharing her love of homemade cookies and brownies, and huge bowls of Chex Mix.
Cheryl graduated from Waukee High School, where she ran on the first girls track team in the school’s history. She enjoyed her time as a records clerk for the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, and, after retirement, spent her time traveling to quilt shops all over the Midwest. She was a talented artist, creating beautiful quilts (her largest had more than 2,000 hand-cut pieces), cross stitch designs, and crocheted lap blankets. For many years, Cheryl could be found at any number of outdoor blues concerts across the city, book in hand, eyes alert for good people-watching. She loved puzzles (and even completed one with 5,000 pieces), “Wheel of Fortune” and only ever ate her M&Ms three at a time.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, Roger Thompson; children Jason (Judy) Thompson, Josh (Sunny) Thompson, Kristen (Chris) Holcomb, Laura (Nick) Pence and Justin Thompson; mother Lola (Baumgardner) Brittain; and siblings Steven, Shirley, Randy, Michael and David.
She was preceded by her grandparents, father Arthur Eugene (Gene) Brittain and brother Ronald Brittain.
Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.

John Roger Evans

John Roger Evans, known as Roger, died Aug. 6, 2022, at age 89. Roger was born in Champaign, Illinois. The family eventually settled in Des Moines. Roger graduated from North High School in 1951. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army (PFC) during the Korean War (stateside) from 1953-1955 and was a member of the 2nd Division stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington.
Roger worked part-time at Bankers Life prior to and while attending college. It was there he met his wife of nearly 65 years, Jean Fletchall Evans. They married in 1957 and had three children.
The family lived in Altoona, Ankeny and eventually moved to Waukee in 2005.
Roger earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Drake University in 1959 and his master’s in education from the University of Missouri in 1961. He taught high school in Osage, Eddyville and Indianola, worked as a high school guidance counselor at Southeast Polk and West Marshall, and served as public school coordinator for the State of Iowa. His favorite job was his last: being a college professor at Grand View, where he taught psychology and human services.
Roger was an active member of the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. He was also a member of the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, three siblings and their spouses, and three nephews. He is survived by his wife; children Gregg (Wanda Bill) Evans, Diane (Jim Clover) Evans, and Stephanie (Dan Campanella) Evans; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Roger’s ashes will be interred in the Columbarium Wall at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel. A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at a date to be announced later. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Lillian M. ‘Fritzi’ Reeves

Lillian M. “Fritzi” Reeves, 89, of Waukee, died Aug. 7, 2022. Fritzi was born in Granite City, Illinois. She was an accomplished bowler and golfer and was accredited in 1974 by the U.S. Library of Congress as a Braille transcriber. Parkinson’s confined Fritzi to wheelchairs for the last eight years of her life, but even that couldn’t slow her down.
She is survived by two children, Stephen D. Reeves and Valerie Marie Hewitt. She was preceded in death by her son Keith Carl Reeves and her husband Gurney “David” Reeves. Condolences may be shared at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.

David Franklin Erickson

David Franklin Erickson, 50, of Johnston, died Aug. 3, 2022. He was born in Creston and graduated from East Union High School in 1990. He continued his education at Southwestern, earning his associate of arts degree in accounting. He later continued his education at Des Moines Area Community College.
In June 1997, Dave married Michelle L. Cunningham. They were later divorced. In August 2009, Dave married Melissa Hart in West Des Moines. Dave and Melissa were later divorced. Dave worked in many different Hy-Vee Stores and was involved in many different high-profile catering events serving the likes of the U.S. president and Iowa governor. Most recently, Dave had taken a position with ABM doing contract kitchen/dietary work and was becoming a certified dietician. Dave was a member of the United Methodist Church and a former member of the Masonic Lodge.
Dave is survived by his four children, Brandon, Jamie, Alex and Christopher; his parents; paternal grandmother; two sisters; four nephews; one niece; and many other extended family members. Dave is preceded in death by three grandparents, six uncles and one aunt.
Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 11 at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. A celebration of life service was Friday, Aug. 12 at First United Methodist Church in Creston. Online condolences may be expressed at www.powersfh.com.

Dorothy J. Kreider

Dorothy J. Kreider, 90, died on Aug. 2, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston. Dorothy was born in Warren County to William P. and Vera M. (Hurst) Coffman. She graduated from Indianola High School in 1950. In 1952, she married John E. Kreider. They lived in the Des Moines area. Dorothy worked at Iowa Automobile Dealers Association until she retired in 1997.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, son John, three sisters and four brothers. She will be missed by daughters Rhonda Eden and Lori DuBay (Mark); daughter-in-law; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way in January.
Graveside services were Friday, Aug. 12 at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa.