Tracy Lee Jones-Gerstenberger, 56, of Clive, Iowa passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on February 19,1969 in Cedar Falls, Iowa to James Leroy Fattig and Doris Evelyn (Stanton) Fattig.   Tracy was full of life, known for her humor and her ability to make others smile. She enjoyed visiting the casino, thrift shopping and spending time with family and friends. She was a retired daycare provider and a devoted friend to m

Timothy David Sweet, 79, was born on August 8, 1946, in Spencer, Iowa, to Homer Charles and Mary Jean Sweet. Tim passed away peacefully at home on December 11, 2025, in De Soto, Iowa. The oldest of five children, Tim learned early how to take charge of any situation—something that served him well throughout his life. He handled the Navy, sales, fatherhood, and even cancer with strength and determination. Tim was a 1964 graduate of Centerville High School. That same year, he e

Robert John Brechtel, 95, of Des Moines, Iowa was welcomed home to Heaven on November 26, 2025. Robert, known and loved by all as Bob, was born December 14, 1929, to John and Gladys Brechtel in Weldon, Iowa. Bob spent his early years in Weldon before moving to Des Moines with his family during the early years of WWII. Bob often related the story of being a rebellious youth, including dropping out of school, before his life was dramatically transformed when he was Born Again (

August 28, 1962 – December 5, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the final ride of our beloved cowboy, Curtis Jay Arends, on December 5, 2025. The son of Rodger and Martha Arends, Curt began his journey on August 28, 1962, in Webster City. Curt graduated from South Hamilton High School in 1982, where he was active in 4-H. He left the family farm in 1989 and headed to the Des Moines area when Prairie Meadows opened. There, he worked the track and spoiled the horses for 10 yea

Connie Fay (Tschetter) Lovell, 86, passed away peacefully in the early morning on December 8th. Connie was born May 6, 1939, to Ferd and Mary (Hofer) Tschetter in Huron South Dakota. She was raised on a farm, in Doland South Dakota with siblings Pam Dawn (Hoganson) and Monte Lynn. Being from a large family, she had 49 first cousins and many were in the area as well. Connie and her family attended the Ebeneezer Mennonite church in Doland. She was baptized as a young adult, and

Dolores (Dolly) Perlas Silverio was born February 18, 1937, in Pasay City/ Manila Philippines passed away December 4, 2025, at age 88, at Harmony West Des Moines.    Dolly graduated in Chemistry from Adamson University in the Philippines. She followed her family to Iowa in 1962. She worked at Lutheran Hospital as a laboratory technician for 48 years.    Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Domingo and Vicenta Silverio; her brother Ernesto, and her sister Raymunda Silve

Ruth E. Klotz was born on August 13, 1932 to Albert and Ella (Stieneke) Hartwig in Cherokee, IA. She passed away at the Mill Pond Community Care Center in Ankeny, IA on November 25, 2025. After graduation from Aurelia High School, she attended the American Institute of Business in Omaha, NE. She had a long successful career working as an executive secretary for American Bakeries in Chicago.   Ruth was married to William (Bill) Klotz for 64 years, cherishing their life togethe

Martin Stevenson was born on September 23, 1937, in Moulton, Iowa. He was raised and educated there, graduating from Moulton High School before beginning a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Martin passed away on November 30, 2025, at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa. On September 1, 1957, Martin married L. Kay Barnett in West Grove, Iowa, and the two made their home in Des Moines. Together they lovingly raised two children: Melanie and Shawn. Kay pr

In Loving Memory of Barbara Jean Natera September 30, 1949 – November 10, 2025         Barbara Jean Natera, 76, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was born on September 30, 1949, in Trenton, New Jersey, to George and Rose Lukais. She attended parochial schools and, after graduating from high school, enrolled in a program to become an X-ray technician. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Ray, who was serving in the Army as a medical corpsman.   Barbara eventually left X-ra

Wayne Kenneth Whitmer, 76, of Perry, IA, peacefully passed away at home and surrounded by his family on December 1, 2025.   Born on July 22, 1949, in Eagle Grove, IA, Wayne spent his youth in Fort Dodge, IA.  As one of twelve children, he came from a large family and always treasured the time he spent with his siblings.  In 1968, Wayne married his beloved wife, Phyllis, and moved to Perry, IA. He was a devoted father to Amy, Ben, and Emily and an active and fun grandfather to

Joseph Michael Kellar, 36, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away on November 17, 2025. Joe was born on May 24, 1989, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. His passion revolved around fishing — a hobby that brought him joy, peace, and countless memories. Joe especially cherished his trips to Canada and took pride in crafting his own fishing jigs. Joe’s family was central to his life. He is survived by his parents, Rick and Arvalla Kellar; his siste

Dr. Robert William Carithers, passed peacefully on November 11 th , 2025 at the age of 93. He was born on August 19 th , 1932, in Des Moines County, IA. Bob was raised on the family farm, later enrolling at Iowa State University where he fell in love with Jeanine Rutherford and married. He studied veterinary medicine, graduating in 1956, and served in the US Army Veterinary Corps until 1958. Bob and Jeanine raised three sons, with the eldest (Jeff) born during veterinary sch

David Edward Becker, born April 22, 1960, in Carroll, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 14, 2025, at The Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa. David was truly the definition of a “heart of gold.” Throughout his life, he generously shared his time and talents to help anyone in need—family, friends, or even strangers. He worked in several trades, including construction, welding, and mechanics, and enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR, and spen

Danny Joseph Belt, 67, of West Des Moines, died at home Nov. 16. He was a retired graphic artist who continued to sculpt, paint and create in his home workshop.  Dan graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1976, and attended the commercial art program at Des Moines Area Community College. He worked as an artist at the Graphic Corporation, Sarcone Printing, Richtman’s Printing and then started his own business, Belt Creative Associates.  He won recognition for his artwork,

October 29, 1966 - November 8, 2025 Randy Geary, a son, father, brother, grandfather, caring friend, and a man whose love language was helping others, died peacefully from natural causes after longtime health complications on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 59. Born in Sac City, Iowa, Randy was the second son of William James (Bill) Geary and Lana Sanders Geary. He grew up in Carroll, Iowa, with his brother Danny Geary and sister-in-love Deanna Weber.

Dennis Ray Denton, age 78, of Slater, Iowa, passed away on November 8, 2025. Dennis was born in 1947 and graduated from North Polk Schools in 1965. He married the love of his life, Luana, in 1967, and together they built a wonderful family and many cherished memories. He is survived by his wife, Luana Denton; sons, Lafe Denton and Brandon (Jenny) Denton; daughter, Sherri (Dylan) Yanders; and sister, Diann (Mike) Nelson. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Denton

A proud Iowa State University graduate, Sylvia dedicated her life to education. She taught for many years in the Bondurant school district,  where her passion for learning and care for her students left a lasting impact. Beyond the classroom, she tutored countless students in a variety of subjects,  finding her greatest joy in teaching English. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Therese, Ron, and Brandon Lindsey, and her grandchildren Trisha Lindsey, Adam Lindsey, Sv

October 8, 1952 – November 9th, 2025 LaVeta Ruth Bigner, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 9th 2025, at the age of 73. She was born on October 8, 1952, in Osceola, Iowa, to Shannon and Bonita Edwards. LaVeta grew up in the Saydel area and graduated from Saydel High School. She later attended Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). She worked for many years at Central Tractor before continuing her career at EMC Insurance Company, where she made

With deep love and gratitude, the family of Sterling Mendenhall announces his passing on November 5, 2025. On that day, Sterling walked into Heaven—finally free from polio and reunited with the full strength and wholeness he was always promised. Born and raised on the south side of Des Moines, Sterling embraced life with resilience, humor, and heart. A proud polio survivor, he refused to let challenges define him. He was the Polio Poster boy in 1950, and he became a bit of a

Sherry Lou Williams, age 82, passed away November 6, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. Sherry was born April 7, 1943, in Winterset, Iowa.     After graduating from college, Sherry enjoyed being a physical education teacher at various schools. Sherry’s favorite activities to teach her students were crab soccer and tinikling. Sherry worked for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for many years as a housing investigator. Sherry was very passionate about her job and helping ind