Iowa Living Magazines

Richard ‘Bing’ Joseph Bengfort

Richard “Bing” Joseph Bengfort, 89, died March 9, 2022, at Arbor Springs Care Center in West Des Moines. A private family service and burial will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. He will be buried at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
He was born in Carroll. He met his wife, Yvonne “Vonnie” Marcotte while attending Mankato State. The two married on May 28, 1960, in Blue Earth, Minnesota. The couple enjoyed 58 years of marriage together before Vonnie preceded him in death. They had a son, Colin, who was raised in Altoona, where Bing and Vonnie made their home.
He served his country in the United States Army from Italy. He also had the opportunity to play football for the Army base team. After being honorably discharged, his former coach called him to play football for Mankato State. At Mankato State, Bing set an NCAA record for the longest punt that stood for many years. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. He worked as a school teacher and coach for Southeast Polk High School for 40-plus years. He taught many subjects and was the boys varsity baseball and golf coach. Bing was also on the football coaching staff. He enjoyed golfing and started and taught the youth golf program and was the first president of the Terrace Hills Men’s Golf Club.
Bing is survived by his son, Colin (Sara) Bengfort of Waukee, and other family and friends.

Leighton ‘Lee’ Tyrrel

Leighton William Tyrrel, 76, was born in Burlington. He graduated from Drake University. On May 9, 1975, he married Linda Curtis. Lee died March 9, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons: Donald (Heather), John (Kelly), and Steve (Michelle); and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home on Friday, March 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Shane Robert Denman

Shane Robert Denman, 32, of Johnston, formerly of Adel, died surrounded by his family on March 10, 2022, in Des Moines. He graduated from Adel DeSoto Minburn High School in 2007, where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. He is survived by his mother, Julie Denman; brother Spencer Denman; sisters Alex Denman and Sydney Denman; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Denman. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 15 from 4-6 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel.

Cheryl M. Frakes Schiller

Cheryl M. Frakes Schiller, 75, died on March 3, 2022. She grew up in Des Moines and is an alumnus of Phoenix school in West Des Moines. She graduated from Des Moines Technical High School. She started her career at Look Magazine in Des Moines, where she met her husband, Ron, who survives her. They had two children, Ron Jr. and Randal (deceased). She attended DMACC and had several bookkeeping and accounting jobs. She is a past president of the Mercy Hospital Guild, took on many volunteer jobs, and taught junior bowling at Val Lanes in West Des Moines.

Jeffrey Alan Meyers

Jeffrey Alan Meyers, 47, of Adel died March 5, 2022. He was born and raised in Urbandale. Visitation and vigil service were held at Dunns Funeral Home on March 9. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 10 at St. Pius Catholic Church. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1993.
Jeff was an entrepreneur. He started Dent Eliminators in 1995 before moving on to launch Superior Exteriors in 2010.
He is survived by his children, Camron and Kenlee; his mother, Jan Meyers; siblings, Joe Meyers of West Des Moines and Lori (Ryan) Martin of Adel; and several nieces and nephews.

Ronald Eugene Brittain

Ronald Eugene Brittain, 71, of Des Moines, formerly of Virginia, died March 6, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 11 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel, with burial following at North McDonald Cemetery, rural Winterset. A full obituary is online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Velda Fay James

Velda Fay James, 88, died March 6, 2022, at home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Hopeville Cemetery, Hopeville.
She graduated from Murray High School and later from Creighton University. Velda married Gerald “Red” James in 1950. He preceded her in death. She is survived by her children, Jerome (Myra) James of Johnston, Edward (Lulu) James of Grimes, and Sheila Stevens (Kevin) and Susan Donnelly, both of Urbandale; and many other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at Iles Westover Chapel where a vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. A full obituary is online at at IlesCares.com.

Marie Elizabeth Cardamone

Marie Elizabeth Cardamone died Feb. 25, 2022, at the Arbor Springs care facility in West Des Moines. She grew up in Haverhill, Massachusetts. After graduating from Lowell Teachers College, she moved to Des Moines, where she worked as an elementary school teacher. In 1955 she married Ernesto Cardamone, who preceded her in death in 1997. Together, they raised three daughters.
After teaching in the Des Moines school system for many years, Marie returned to Drake University to earn her master’s degree. She subsequently served as a teacher facilitator and an IGE consultant before being appointed the principal of Lucas Elementary School. She later served as the principal of Windsor Elementary School and Jackson Elementary School. During her decades of service to the Des Moines school system, she was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including Administrator of the Year in 1984. After retiring in 2000, she volunteered at the Terrace Hill Society and the gift shop at Wesley Acres.
She is survived by her children, Teresa (Basil) Nimry, Sarah (Andrew) McBride, and Callie (Eric Rawson) Cardamon, and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation was March 4 at Dunn’s Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial was March 5 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines with interment at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines. A complete obituary is online at www.ilescares.com.

Richard ‘Butch’ Nickolas Thomsen

Richard “Butch” Nickolas Thomsen, 75, died Feb. 12, 2022. He grew up near Lakota, raised livestock for the 4H County Fair and played basketball for the Lakota Eagles. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966. While in Vietnam, he served as a crew chief on the C-130 Hercules and the OV-10 Bronco. He returned to Iowa to farm. He married his wife, Barbara, in 1996, and gained two daughters, Lori and Lisa, who survive him. In 2014, he retired from farming near Buffalo Center and moved to an acreage just west of Des Moines.
A celebration of life was held Feb. 25 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines. Interment with military honors will be held at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery on March 11.

Richard L. Goodson

Richard L. Goodson of West Des Moines died March 2, 2022. He was born June 28, 1943, in Tennessee. Memorial services are pending. For updates, visit https://www.ilesfuneralhomes.com/obituary?id=1888397.

Larry Dean White

Larry Dean White, 78, died Feb. 27, 2022, from complications of renal disease at Good Samaritan Society in Indianola. He grew up in rural Calhoun, Missouri. After completing high school, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Army. Shortly after his discharge, he relocated to Cedar Rapids, where he met and married Anita Benter. They would later divorce. Anita preceded Larry in death in 2015. Larry is survived by a son, Bob (Becky) Peery; daughter, Susan (Malinda Wade) White; and other relatives and friends.
He worked in home improvement for many years, often operating his own business. For the last several years, Larry was employed by Home Depot.
Per Larry’s wishes, there will be no public service or memorial. Larry will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.

Jacie Ellen Culbertson

Services for Jacie Ellen Culbertson, 74, who died March 1, 2022, at home, were held March 8 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Cremation followed services and inurnment of cremains will be held at a later date. Jacie is survived by her husband Randy; children, Mark (Melanie) Culbertson, David (Tiffany) Culbertson, and Debra Culbertson; and other relatives and friends.

David E. Orth

David E. Orth, 80, of Ankeny, died March 2, 2022. He was born in Burlington. On Dec. 7, 1991, he married Judy Kay Hackbarth in Burlington. He was a 1959 graduate of Notre Dame High School. He started working at J.I. Case Company in the welding department and later transferred to the shipping department. He was promoted to supervisor in assembly and later as general foreman in the shipping and assembly departments. He retired in 2000 after 41 years of service.
After retirement, he drove a school bus for Burlington School District, and, after moving to Ankeny, he worked for Super Wash and Truck Country. He was a member of Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church in Burlington and Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. He served in the Iowa National Guard from 1962 until 1968 with a rank of sergeant E-5.
David is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Teresa (Ken) Weiland, Doug (Diana) Orth, Scott (Christine) Orth, and Jill (Kevin) Lees; step-daughters, Kristine (Shane) Hammond and Stephanie (Patrick) Edenburn; and many other relatives and friends.

Jeanne Price

Jeanne Price, 75, died on Feb. 24, 2022, surrounded by family, at the Edencrest at Siena Hills Assisted Living facility. She was born in Mexico, Missouri, was a 1964 graduate of Mexico High School and was a 1968 graduate of Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University). She was married March 2, 1974, to Casey Price. She was an elementary school teacher in Boulder, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Des Moines. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Casey Price; a son, Jason Price; daughter, Julie Price; son-in-law Jason Heiden; and granddaughters Kora and Mallory Heiden. A memorial service will be at a later date.

Gladys Steilen

Gladys Steilen, 91, died March 1, 2022, into the loving arms of her husband, Ron, who was waiting for her in Heaven. Mass of Christian Burial was held March 8 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, with burial following in Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
Gladys was born March 29, 1930, in Alexandria, South Dakota, and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell. She married Ronald Michael Steilen in 1948, and they enjoyed 67 years together. They moved to Ankeny where Ron worked as a mechanical engineer at John Deere Des Moines Works. Gladys led Cub Scouts and Blue Birds and worked at King’s Food Host. She was one of the founding members of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny, remaining a loyal parishioner for 60-plus years. She was a member of Catholic Daughters, the Rosary Society, and the choir.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron, and her son Jim. She is survived by her other children, Bob (Christina) Steilen, Debra Steilen, Kathy Steilen Santry, and Mike (Debie) Steilen; daughter-in-law, Carol Steilen; and many other relatives and friends.

Michael F. Seeburger

Michael F. Seeburger, 83, died Feb. 27, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born in Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 3 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church with burial at Highland Memory Gardens.
Mike graduated in 1957 from Dowling Catholic High School. He took some college courses then worked in various grocery stores, retiring in February of 2000 from Walmart. In December of 1974, he met his wife, Mary Jo, and her daughter, Pam. He and Mary were married on Aug. 1, 1975. A few years later, he adopted Pam. He is survived by them both and grandson Kevin Krupa.

Sister Marilyn Schierbrock

Sister Marilyn Schierbrock, CHM, (Regina Marie), 82, died Feb. 28, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston. Private services will be held at Bishop Drumm Our Lady of Peace Chapel and Magnificat Chapel at Humility of Mary Center, Davenport.
She was born in Council Bluffs. She entered the Congregation of the Humility of Mary (CHM) in 1957 and professed vows in 1960. Sister received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Marycrest College and a master’s in religious education from Loyola University in Chicago. She served in education for more than 30 years in Iowa, first as an elementary school teacher from 1961-1970 at St. Anthony in Des Moines, St. Mary in Marshalltown, and Sacred Heart in West Des Moines. She then spent three years as the religious education coordinator at Sacred Heart before serving as both a teacher and the director of religious education at Lourdes Memorial School in Bettendorf from 1973-1982. For the next decade, she served as the director of religious education for the Vicariate and Regina Education Center in Iowa City. From 1993 to 2001, she served at St. Alphonsus Parish in Mount Pleasant as a pastoral associate and then pastoral minister.
In 1996, Sister was elected to the CHM Cabinet of Advisors and served for four years in the leadership of the CHM community. Finally, she came to Davenport in 2001 as the neighborhood advocacy coordinator for the John Lewis Cafe and John Lewis Community Services. She was well known in the neighborhood as an advocate, promoter of the community garden and creator of a rose garden to beautify the area. After retiring, she was an active member of a prayer and witness ministry at Bishop Drumm Care Center.
A full obituary is online at www.IlesCares.com.

Elaine Jones

Elaine Jones, 84, died March 3, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born in Mapleton and graduated as valedictorian of Ute High School in 1956. Elaine was married for 64 years to her high school sweetheart, Jim Jones, after he returned from his service with the U.S. Army. She is survived by her children, Cindy (Jim) Coughennower, Randy (Melissa) Jones, Roger (Debbie) Jones and Rick (Carol) Jones, and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at Iles Westover Chapel. A rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 11, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Private interment will be held at a later date in Mapleton.

Kenneth Dean Tague

Kenneth Dean Tague, 83, of Johnston, died Friday, March 4, 2022, at Mercy Hospice Johnston with his children by his side. He was born in Guthrie Center and joined the Navy after high school where he served for four years and was honorably discharged. After his time in the Navy, he joined Northwestern Bell where he retired many years later.
He married Mary in 1963. She preceded him in death. They were married for 56 years and had two children, Elizabeth (Scott) Buckley and Mark (Connie) Tague, who survive him. They were members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale.
Visitation was Monday, March 7 at Iles Westover Chapel, followed by a vigil service. A Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. Interment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in rural Guthrie Center. A full obituary is online at www.IlesCares.com.

James L. Stone

James L. Stone, 79, of Dallas Center, died Feb. 26, 2022, after a brief illness. He was born in Burlington. He met the love of his life, Charlene Cooper, in Des Moines, and they married in 1965. They moved to rural Dallas Center in 1973 and raised three daughters. Jim made his career as a dispatcher for several companies in Des Moines. He retired in 2010.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Charlene; daughters Christine Stone, Rachel Moreno (Lupe), and Lisa Stone; and other relatives and friends. A memorial gathering to celebrate Jim’s life was held March 3 at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center. His family and friends will have a memorial service at a later date.

Garry L. Mattix, Sr.

Garry L. Mattix, Sr., 67, of Grimes, died March 1, 2022, at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. Visitation for friends and family was held March 6 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel. He was born in Des Moines. He is survived by his son, Garry, Jr., and other relatives and friends. For a full obituary, visit www.IlesCares.com.

Robert Samuel Stucker

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

Rev. David Lee Carscadden

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

Betty Bohall

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

Steve Greenslade

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

Daniel ‘Dan’ Walker Smith

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

Peggy Joy Rhiner

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

Kenneth Allen Miller, Sr.

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

Sandra Lois (Kline) Land

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

Betty Holwegner

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

Kent William Ford

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

Carol Sue (Bickford) Harwood

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

Cheryl ‘Cherie’ Faktor

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

Rebecca Ann Wright Elbert

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

Elizabeth “Liz” Parr

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

Dr. Ollie J Weigel

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

Sally Oldham

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

Aria Lane Arrington

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

Jane Morgan

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

Sondra “Sonie” Kay Oswald

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

Carol-Faith Cooper

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

Helen N. Walker

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

Kregg LeRoy Ferguson

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

Mark Allen McGrew

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

Patrick David Lantz

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

James P. Koher

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

Daniel Thompson

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

Benjamin Morgan Kelly

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

Fern J. Dickey

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

Lola McKnight

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