Iowa Living Magazines

Rory Roy Kempf

Rory Roy Kempf, 59, of Indianola died Jan. 29, 2022, in Des Moines. An inurnment with military honors will take place at a later date. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was staff sergeant when he retired following 27 years of service.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; children, Nick (Heidi) Kempf and Sarah (Andy) Eichhorn; stepsons, Christopher (Kelly) Phelps and Jeremy (Kathy) Phelps; and many other relatives and friends.
Peterson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Carl Harold Edman

Carl Harold Edman, 89, of West Des Moines died at home on Feb. 2, 2022. He grew up in Fairmont and met his future wife, Gloria (Keller) Edman, in his kindergarten class. Carl and Gloria recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. They have four children, Paul (Mary), Rob (Sarah), Jan and Eric (Chris).
Carl was an owner of Iowa Road Builders Company, a highway construction company based in Des Moines. A private family memorial will be held at a later date at Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, where Carl was a member for more than 58 years.

Candace Kay Schmeling

Candace Kay Schmeling, 75, of West Des Moines, died Jan. 19, 2022, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. She graduated from Des Moines East High School and continued her education for one year at the University of Iowa to study childhood education. She ran in-home daycare Nana’s Nursery for over 35 years. A full obituary is online at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Evelynn Hubbard

Evelynn Hubbard, 96, formerly of Winterset, died Jan. 29, 2022, at Thomas Rest Haven Care Center in Coon Rapids. A memorial service will be held at a later date with burial in the North McDonald Cemetery.
She married Earl Hubbard on April 7, 1945. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was a homemaker and lived in Madison County until her declining health. She then moved to Coon Rapids nursing home in 2019. She sold her crafts at the Covered Bridge Festival for many years. A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Christopher Pleake

Christopher Pleake, 51, of Winterset, died at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines on Jan. 30, 2022. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Word of Life Family Church.
He graduated from Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln High School in 1989 and obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Peru State University in 1995. He married Tisha Stephens in Council Bluffs on May 25, 1995. She survives him. Over the years, he worked in the medical field installing X-ray machines. A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Patricia Jeanne Tracy

Patricia Jeanne (Schirm) Tracy was born Oct. 18, 1944. She was raised on the family farm and attended school in Peru and Winterset. On Oct. 22, 1960, she married George Olyn Tracy, and they shared 61 years together. The settled in Ankeny and raised their two children, Kevin and Renee. A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Donald E. Hartman

Lt. Col. Donald E. Hartman (Ret.), 89, of Ankeny, died peacefully with his family by his side on Feb. 4, 2022. A funeral mass was held on Feb. 8 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church, 510 E. First St., Ankeny, followed by interment service with Military Honors at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
Don was a longtime Ankeny resident and member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, he excelled in athletics, lettering in four sports at St. Mary’s Cathedral High School, before moving on to college to play basketball and football, then graduating from the University of Arizona.
After college, he served in the U.S. Army, stationed in various states and abroad, to include Germany, Korea, and earning the Bronze Star in Vietnam. After retiring from the military, he embarked on his own personnel agency before moving on to a career in sales of industrial chemicals. He was active in his parish fundraisers, events, Knights of Columbus, and a member of ISU Cyclones Booster Club. As appreciation to his high school, he gave back as one of the founders of the Shamrock Golf Open in Wichita, Kansas, an annual charity event to raise money for the Sisters of St. Joseph/Dear Neighbor Ministries, which has continued for more than 18 years.
His wife of 51 years, Margaret, preceded him in death.

Gladys Rosalia Miner

Gladys Rosalia Miner, 82, died Jan. 26, 2022, at home, following a brief illness. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, Feb. 2, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. Burial followed at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.
She graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1958 in Gilbertville and worked in medical transcription at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo. She married Donald Miner on Jan. 27, 1962. He survives her. They had four children, Beth, Rod, Doug and Shawn. Gladys and Don are long time members of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, where she assisted with religious education and volunteering. She was an in-home daycare provider, and worked for American Greetings and Maurices Distribution.

Michael Glen Rodgers

Michael Glen Rodgers, 70, of Ankeny died Jan. 25, 2022. He graduated from East High School in 1970 and married Marvanna Staley in August 1971. She survives him. They owned and operated their own gardening and landscaping business in Pleasant Hill for more than 25 years. When they left that business, Mike started a business full-time remodeling houses.

Paul Timmins

Paul Timmins, 83, died Jan. 29, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service was held Feb. 4 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel in Des Moines. Interment was at Berwick Cemetery.
He married Janice Corwin in 1969. She preceded him in death. He worked for years as a surveyor. He joined Snyder & Associates in 1978 and became a partner shortly after. Arrangements were handled by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

Enes Logli

Enes Logli died Jan. 30, 2022. She was born in 1921. She lived for 75 years in a home her father, Bartolomeo Linari, built in Ankeny. A private graveside service and burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens beside her husband and WWII Medic, Reco Logli.
She graduated high school in Newton then attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and later Harmon School of Music at Drake University in the 1940s and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota. Enes and Reco raised two children, Peter A. Logli and Denise Logli, in their Ankeny hom. They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Ankeny. Enes was a choir member and leader there. She was also a soloist at University Christian Church near Drake and also at Central Presbyterian Church on Grand Avenue.
She earned her music degree in 1964 from Drake. She was a member of the musical society Pi Kappa Lambda. She earned her master’s degree in education and administration in 1972. Enes also did office work at DMACC for several years after she retired from teaching at the Downtown and Ankeny campuses. She served many years as secretary and president of Ankeny’s new Kirkendall Library Board of Directors.
She was an elementary music teacher in Altoona, a choir and chorus leader at Ankeny High School and Ankeny Methodist Church, and a sixth-grade math teacher at Northwest Elementary.
Memories can be shared at www.AnkenyMemorial.com.

Joyce Elaine Martin

Joyce Elaine Martin, 86, died Jan. 31, 2022. She had six children from her marriage to Dale Ohrtman, who preceded her in death. She later married Richard Martin and raised two boys with him. He also preceded her in death.
Visitation was Feb. 6 at Grandview Park Funeral Home, 3211 Hubbell Ave. Graveside services were Monday, Feb. 7, at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Marcella Lynn Martin

Marcella Lynn Martin, the daughter of Jordan and Danelle (Richards) Martin, was stillborn on Jan. 27, 2022. Family received friends Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home Winterset Chapel. A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Terry Lee Merical

Terry Lee Merical, 84, died Feb. 1, 2022, at his home in Altoona following a series of illnesses. A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022. A graveside service with military honors was held at Oakland Cemetery in De Soto.
He graduated from Grimes High School in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 and was stationed in France. Upon his return from the Army, he married Sandra Shediwy in 1959. She survives him.
Terry joined Iowa Power and Light (now MidAmerican Energy) in 1958 as a truck driver. He went on to become a lineman and a foreman and retired as the area manager of the Oskaloosa service area in 1995. He was a 50-plus year member of the Masonic Lodge and a member of the Oskaloosa Kiwanis.

Ruth (Suzy) Nash

Ruth (Suzy) Nash, 95, died Jan. 31, 2022, at Prairie Vista Care Center in Altoona. She married Keith Nash in 1949, and they had four children: Barbara, Mary, Laura and David.
In her young life, she was a stay-at-home mom. Later, she became a nurse and worked at Mercy Hospital for many years. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Christopher Edward Bazzocco

Christopher Edward Bazzocco, 56, died Jan. 29, 2022. A celebration of life will be held in the future, as well as burial at Beaver Catholic Cemetery in Granger.
He married Rebecca (Costello) Bazzocco on May 19, 2001. She preceded him in death. He founded B & C Commercial Cleaning with his business partner Danny Clothier. In his younger years, he was a State Champion wrestler for Dowling Catholic High School.
For a full obituary, visit www.ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Emma Pavon

Emma Esther Pavon, 91, died Jan. 28, 2022. She and her husband, Dr. Sixto J. Pavon, who preceded her in death, were married in Cuba in 1949. In July 1968, they chose to emigrate to the United States to seek a better life for their young family. They moved to Des Moines in 1974.
Funeral services were held Feb. 1 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial followed at Glendale Cemetery. A full obituary can be found at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Ronald Eugene Howard

Ronald Eugene Howard, 63, of Urbandale, died at home on Jan. 20, 2022. He retired from serving in the U.S. Navy as a cook on the USS Ramage. After retirement, he lived in Corpus Christi, Texas, and worked for the U.S. Postal Service, eventually transferring to the Des Moines Main Post Office. He retired in August of 2021. Services were held Jan. 29 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel.

Dorothy Walker

Dorothy Walker, 95, died Jan. 24, 2022. She married Cecil Walker, July 30, 1948. He preceded her in death. A celebration of her life was held at The Mission Church in Urbandale on Jan. 29. A full obituary can be found online at www.merlehayfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Wayne Markle

Thomas Wayne Markle died peacefully at home Jan. 23, 2022. He was a 1983 graduate of Ventura High School. While in high school he was involved with Voc. Ag, FFA and in 4-H. He attended Iowa Lakes Community College where he specialized in construction. He later moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and worked as a carpenter.
In 1991, Tom married Teri Cowger and lived on an acreage near Ventura. They had two children. In 2013, he moved to Grimes and worked for CKF and Home Depot.
A gathering for friends and family was held Jan. 28 at Iles Westover Chapel.

Theodore John Wacht

Theodore John Wacht, 70, died Jan. 31, 2022, at EveryStep Hospice Kavanagh House in Des Moines. He was born in Adel but spent the majority of his life in Urbandale and graduated from Urbandale High School in 1971. He worked for the Urbandale Athletic Department from 1985 until retiring in 2013. During his years at Urbandale, he was the assistant to the athletic director; kept the official scorebook for varsity girls’ basketball for many years; coached junior high girls’ basketball, softball, and volleyball; and was an avid J-Hawk fan and supporter. He worked for the IGHSAU at the girls’ state basketball tournament an official scorebook keeper. Prior to retirement, Ted kept the official scorebook for the Drake men’s basketball team as well.
Per Ted’s wishes, there will be no services. His cremains will be interred at a private family ceremony at East Linn Cemetery north of Redfield. A full obituary is online at www.caldwellparrish.com

Ronald Eugene Allen

Ronald Eugene Allen, 81, died Jan. 29, 2022, peacefully in his sleep. He is survived by his wife, Delores; children Roberta (Steve) Frantz, Ronnie (Tina) Allen, Roxanne (Tom) Cuyler and Becki Allen; sister Dixie Jennings and sister-in-law Becky (Lane) Hensley; 9 grandkids, 16 great grandkids, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ronald established Ron Allen & Son Trucking in 1984 after many years of trucking and farming.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at United Methodist Church in Minburn, with burial following at Elmwood Cemetery in Minburn. The family will greet friends Friday, Feb. 4, from 5-7 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – McCalley Chapel in Adel. The family asks that you wear a mask.
A full obituary is available online at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Kevin E Stanbro

Kevin E. Stanbro, 65, died Jan. 26, 2022, at Independence Village in Waukee. He grew up in Charles City. His wife, Joanne, survives. He worked at the Veterans Administration Domiciliary Care program. A memorial service will be held at Ernst Funeral Home in Waukee on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held in Charles City at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to Joanne Stanbro in Kevin’s memory.

Ryan Fred Smith

Ryan Fred Smith died surrounded by family on Jan. 21, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Hospital. Ryan fought many health issues; in 1993 he became paralyzed from the waist down due to an auto accident. Later on, he became diabetic. In the latter years of his life, he fought infections, where that battle was lost.
He attended Olmstead Elementary, Urbandale Jr. High School, and Dowling Catholic High School. Ryan enjoyed wrestling and soccer. He is survived by his mother Jane Barnes, father Ronald Smith, sister Dawn Garrett and step-mother Carol Smith, and other relatives and friends.

Joseph Anthony Pagano

Joseph Anthony Pagano, 41, died unexpectedly on Jan. 24, 2022, at the University Of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. He grew up in Urbandale and attended St. Pius X school. He was a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School and continued his education at UNLV in Las Vegas. After college, Joe moved back to Iowa and went on to work for several family businesses.
Joe is survived by his wife, Molli Pagano and many other relatives and friends.
A vigil service was held Jan. 31 at Westover Funeral Home in Des Moines. A funeral Mass was held Feb. 1 at St. Pius Catholic Church. Burial followed at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Joe Buckley

Joe Buckley, 75, died Jan. 27, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol; two sons, Billy (Kris Hall) and Brad; and other relatives and friends. He grew up in Waterloo, where he graduated from West High School. He attended Northeast Missouri State College prior to joining the United States Marines. While serving in the Marines, he met and married Carol Mork in 1966. They returned to Waterloo, where he started his career with Northwestern Bell. He spent many years working his way into management and made many moves along the way. He retired from Quest.
The funeral service was held Feb. 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. Burial was at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. A full obituary can be found at https://www.caldwellparrish.com.

Faye Ray Evans

Faye Ray Evans, 76, of West Des Moines, died Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. She graduated in 1963 from Carver High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where she grew up. She married Vernon Evans in Chicago, Illinois. on May 17, 1968. She was a member of King of Kings Baptist Church where she was an usher and on the board of trustees.
Services were Feb. 3 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel. A full obituary is available online at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.

Evalina ‘Nena’ Stowell

A celebration of life service for Mary Evalina “Nena” Stowell, 75, of Indianola, was held Jan. 28 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. She died Jan. 22 after undergoing major heart surgery.
She grew up in Florida and graduated from Florida State University in art education in 1969. She moved to Iowa with her sister, Bette, to teach art at Lincoln High School in Des Moines. In 1972, she married Walton Danforth Stowell (Kip), an architect with the National Park Service, and moved to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. She lived and worked there until 2016, when she again moved to be near her sister, Bette, at The Village in Indianola. Her husband preceded her in death in 2009.
During her working years, Nena was an active artist, an art teacher, and a certified Montessori teacher.

Nancy Jean Horton

Celebration of Life Services for Nancy Jean Horton, who died Jan. 27, 2022, in Des Moines, were held Feb. 1 at the Indianola First Assembly of God Church. Her husband, Paul, survives, along with many other relatives and friends. For a full obituary, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Michael G. Howe

Funeral services for Michael G. Howe, 62, who died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at home, were held Jan. 28 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with burial in the IOOF Memorial Gardens Cemetery. For a full obituary, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Leah A. Wallace

Leah A. Wallace,, 103, of Boone (formerly of Winterset), died Jan. 23, 2022, at Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone. A committal service was held Jan. 27 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home Winterset Chapel. A graveside service was held at Graceland Cemetery, Creston.
She was married to Harold Wallace in October 1939. He preceded her in death in 1969. She was a department store clerk in Cedar Rapids for many years.
A full obituary is available at https://www.caldwellparrish.com.

Gene Pomeroy

Gene Pomeroy, 61, of Winterset, died Jan. 25, 2022 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines. A celebration of life was held Jan. 29 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home Winterset Chapel.
Gene graduated from Winterset High School in 1979 and received his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. He married Sherre Nelson on Sept. 18, 1993, and they had four sons. Sherre survives. A full obituary is available at https://www.caldwellparrish.com.

Todd Harvey Bogenrief

Todd Harvey Bogenrief, 57, of Ankeny, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at UnityPoint Hospital in Des Moines. He graduated from Valley High School and attended the University of Iowa pursuing an accounting degree. Todd left college to work for a friend in the IT industry and never looked back. Todd spent 30 years in the IT industry, working for Pomeroy and IBM, until his retirement to care for his first wife until her death. Most recently, he was employed at Kohl’s. He married Sheril Harper on Oct. 14, 2017. She survives.
A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. For a full obituary, visit https://www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

Ronald L, Baer

Ronald L, Baer, 87, died Jan. 21, 2022, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Cremation rites have been accorded and private inurnment will be at Sunny Hill Cemetery in Grimes at a later date. He was born in Grimes. He worked on pipe organs for a living.
An obituary is available at IlesCares.com.

Wanda Louise Slauson

Wanda Louise Slauson died Jan. 23, 2022, two weeks shy of her 91st birthday. Wanda had been under care at the Madrid Home for two years.
Wanda and her identical twin, Waneta, grew up in Johnston, graduating in 1949. Wanda married her high school sweetheart, Russell Slauson, on July 28, 1950. They moved to Grimes in September of 1953. They had four children. Wanda was active as a Boy Scout den mother, Soapbox Derby supporter and as a fan of their school sports. As a great-grandmother, she served as a board member of the Johnston (Station) Historical Society. She is survived by her husband of 71 years.
Graveside services to be announced pending warmer weather. A full obituary is available at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com.

Yvonne ‘Vonnie’ Irene Noah

Yvonne “Vonnie” Irene Noah, 86, died Jan. 25, 2022, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston. Services were Jan. 30 at Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines. Cremation followed services, and a private inurnment will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Soon after she graduated from Humboldt High School, she married Gerald “Buck” Noah and moved to Des Moines, where they shared more than 65 years together. She was a lunch lady for Hoover High School for 25 years. She was even able to serve lunch to three of her four grandchildren while they attended Hoover.
She is survived by daughter Kim Martin of Johnston, son Scott Noah of West Des Moines, and other relatives and friends. Services were handled by Iles Westover Chapel. See full obituary at IlesCares.com.

Robert Munson Benesh

Robert Munson Benesh, 33, of Adel died suddenly at home on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, from a cardiac arrest. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Jan. 25, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.
He grew up in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Iowa City West High School. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Japanese and education from the University of Iowa. He was a teacher at the Johnston Community School district of English for Other Languages and the diversity coordinator for the schools. His first job was in Perry, and, in his first year of teaching, he was awarded the International Teacher of Promise award for his efforts in promoting international acceptance. Robert also tutored students in the Japanese language. He traveled often and performed mission work in the Dominican Republic with his father.
He is survived by his parents, Signe (John) Henderson, Michael (Lori) Benesh and Steve (Mary) Riepe and many other relatives and friends. Allison Logemann and Robert had started a life together, and she is left to mourn his passing.
A full obituary is available at www.cedarmemorial.com.

Ann Montgomery

Ann Montgomery, 66, of Adel, died Jan. 24, 2022, at Methodist West Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Jeff; son Jacob Beebe; grandchildren Faeth and Brantley; and siblings Loren, Adel, David (Arlene) Mitchell, Arden Hills, Minnesota, and Nancy (Russ) Pope, Sioux City.
A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 28, from 1-3 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home-McCalley Chapel in Adel. Burial will be held at a later date. A full obituary is available at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Nicholette Stajcar

Nicholette “Nicki” Marie (Shinn) Stajcar, 70, of Adel died Jan. 21, 2022, at UnityPoint Hospital in Des Moines. She married Jim Stajcar on May 6, 1972, and they enjoyed 49 years together before Jim’s death on Nov. 5, 2021. Nicki graduated from Adel-De Soto High School in 1969. Retiring from Blue Cross-Blue Shield after 20 years, she took a position at the State of Iowa Department of Elder Affairs. She also served on the Dallas County Extension Board for several years.
She is survived by her sisters, Vicki (Robert Hutzell) of Knoxville and Claudia (Rick Jordan) of Estes Park, Colorado, and many other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A full obituary is available at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Russell Christian Knuth

Russell Christian Knuth, 89, of Waukee, died Jan. 7, 2022. Russ married Donna Rose Oldenburg. They were married for more 62 years and had three children. Russ graduated from Walnut High School and started working for Peter K. Pratt, raising pure-bred angus cattle. When he was 20, he was drafted into the Korean War. He served in the U.S. Army and was on the front lines in Korea for 180 days straight. He earned two Bronze Stars for his service. For most of his career, he worked for Pioneer. First, as the manager of the Pioneer Beef Cattle ranch in Rhodes, Iowa, and later at the corporate offices in Johnston, Iowa, where he rose to lead Pioneer’s Risk Management and Self-Insurance division world-wide. In 1979, Russ and Donna moved to De Soto, where they lived for 40 years. Russ retired from Pioneer in 1994. After retirement, Russ and Donna enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. Russ also faithfully took care of the yard maintenance for the De Soto United Methodist Church for many years.
Russ is survived by his wife, Donna; sons Alan (Deb) of Bondurant and Jim (Dawn) of Johnston; daughter Karla (Rick) Janning of Scranton; and other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life is being planned for later this spring at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. A full obituary is available at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Eudell Mae Garrett

Eudell Mae Garrett, 80, of Adel, died Jan. 19, 2022, in Des Moines. After high school, Eudell worked as a waitress at Treloar’s restaurant in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where she met her husband-to-be, Kenneth Russell Garrett. They retired to Adel in 2007.
She is survived by her husband, Ken; sons, Ricky (Sally), Todd (Lisa), Chad, and Kirk (Sandra); her daughter, Kim (Loren); 12 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and sisters, Donna and Sharon.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A full obituary is available at www.caldwellparrish.com.

John Tasler

John “Jack” Joseph David Tasler, 91, died Jan. 20, five days short of his 92nd birthday. Over the years, he was a jack of all trades and dabbled in many different endeavors. He joined the Air Force at a young age, was a police officer and a realtor, to name a few.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 53 years; children David Tasler, Melanie Whalen (Jim), Darin Tasler, Michele Tasler Hearne and three step-children, Lori Tejeda, Tom Wilson and Scott Wilson (Sarah), among other relatives and friends.
Visitation, rosary and mass were held Jan. 25.

Marilyn A. Keul

Marilyn A. Keul, 84, of Polk City, died Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Arthur Charles Welp, Jr.

Arthur Charles Welp, Jr., 74, of Norwalk died Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at home after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 22 at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, with a private burial following at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Arrangements are with Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. For a full obituary, visit www.overtonfunerals.com.

Joyce Van Fleet

Joyce Van Fleet died Jan. 19, 2022, from a heart attack at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines. She graduated from high school in Corydon and from college in Kirksville, Missouri, with a degree in art education. She completed her student teaching in Seymour then was hired as an art instructor with the Pleasantville Community Schools in Pleasantville. She held that position for 37.5 years, until her retirement in 2005. In December of 2010, she and her husband, Dennis Van Fleet, moved to Indianola.
Joyce used her artistic talents to design T-shirts, including the official T-shirt design for RAGBRAI for a few years. She also had the official T-shirt for Indianola’s Balloon Classic a couple of times. She designed the logo for Des Moines’ Barr Bicycle store among other uses of her artistic skills.
She had “The Sky Looks Amazing From Here” inscribed on their gravestone in hopes of evoking a smile from someone viewing the stone.
She is survived by her husband Dennis, many relatives, and numerous friends. Services were held Jan. 23 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. A private burial was planned at Corydon’s Cemetery.

Patricia Strike

Services for Patty Strike, 65, of Indianola, who died Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, at her home surrounded by family, were held Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at the Indianola Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, with burial following at the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
She graduated from Indianola High School in 1975. Patty retired from Good Samaritan Nursing Home after 33 years in 2006 and then Des Moines Public Schools in 2009. She is survived by her husband, Bill Strike of Indianola; five children, Gabe, Justin, Rose, Lindsey and Jenny; and other relatives and friends.

Melodee Ann Miars

Melodee Ann Miars, 62, died Jan. 6, 2022. She worked at Amazon in Ankeny. Her husband of 40 years, James Miars, survives, as well as son Jeremie (Jessica) Hedrick; and daughters, Alea, Tori, and Ava Hedrick, along with other relatives and friends.
She donated her eyes and tissue through Iowa Donor Network. Her wishes were to be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be held later. In place of flowers, memorials can be directed to the GO FUND ME page in memory of Melodee to help the family with funeral costs.
For a full obituary, visit www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.

Donna Jean (Mathahs) Penaluna

Donna Jean (Mathahs) Penaluna, 82, of Ankeny died at Edencrest at Green Meadows in Johnston on Jan. 18, 2022, surrounded by family following a long illness. A celebration of life for both Donna and her husband, Kenneth Penaluna, was held Jan. 25 at Memorial Services of Iowa. A graveside service for family will be held May 27 at Hampton Cemetery in Hampton.
She earned a teaching degree from Mason City Junior College then taught third and fourth grade for several years in Northwood and later at the Ballard Community School District. Following Ken’s positions at International Harvester and Ruan Transport, they lived in Indiana and California before settling in Ankeny. She is survived by her son, Dan Penaluna (Lisa Sweet-Penaluna) of Ankeny; daughter, Sue Ward (Tom) of Iowa City; and many other relatives and friends.
For the full obituary, visit https://ankenymemorial.com.

Gary L. Thrailkill

Gary L. Thrailkill died Jan. 14, 2022, in Ankeny. He joined the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War, He returned as a purple heart recipient. After serving in the Army, he owned a service station and worked in a coal mine before finding his career at Helena Upholstery. He had his own shop at home for a time before running the upholstery shop at Montana Developmental Center in Boulder for several years. He later spent many years managing the Gold Bar and then the Glass Slipper.
Surviving are his wife, Rita Thrailkill (Harker) of Ankeny; sons, Jason Colby (Julie) of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Jody “Joe” Reel of Helena, Montana; two daughters, Roberta Little (Pat) of Roy, Washington, and Joni Lutman (Kevin) of Ankeny; step-sons Bradly Stroud of Ankeny and Brandon Stroud of Springfield Missouri; and other relatives and friends.
Per his wishes, no services are planned. For the full obituary, visit https://ankenymemorial.com.

Michael Gailen Mease

Michael Gailen Mease, 68, of Ankeny died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. One of his favorite things was the Iowa State Fair, where he and his wife, Ruth, volunteered at the information booth by the cattle barn for 25 years. Surviving are his mother, Joan; wife of 28 years, Ruth; his daughter, Mikelyn; son, Chris; step-sons, Brian and Josh; step-daughter, Shantyl; and three grandchildren.
For a full obituary, visit www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.