OBITUARIES

Services honoring the life of Kathryn Williams will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310, on Friday, July 17. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, Kathryn will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery. After the committal service, all are warmly invited to return to Merle Hay Funeral Home for a repast and a time of f

Richard Norman "Rick" Bollenbaugh, 88, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 10, 2026. Born on September 3, 1937, in Des Moines, Iowa, to William and Lorene Bollenbaugh, Rick lived a full life defined by quiet devotion to his family, a strong work ethic, and a love of adventure. At just seventeen years old, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1955 and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division. He served overseas with the European

With gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Merle Jean Gustafson announces her peaceful passing on July 5, 2026. Merle was born on July 6, 1929, in Elgin, Illinois, to Ben and Marie (Genz) Bendewald. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1947 and earned her bachelor's degree with honors from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1951. While at Macalester, she met her classmate, Ronald "Ron" Gustafson. They were united in marriage on July 14, 1951, and shar

Mary Ann Sechovec, 94, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Mary Ann was born on January 19, 1932, in Dodge, Nebraska, to Joseph and Bozena (Kmoch) Sechovec. She grew up in Nebraska and later made her home in Lincoln, where she married LeRoy C. Hetherington in 1952. Mary Ann was a hardworking and dedicated woman throughout her life. While living in Lincoln, she worked wiring switchboards before becoming the manager of a local bakery.

In Loving Memory of Israel "Chino" Marquez Israel "Chino" Marquez, 30, passed away on July 3, 2026, at Broadlawns Hospital. He was born on August 22, 1995, in Villanueva, Zacatecas, Mexico, and moved to Des Moines, Iowa, with his family at the age of eight, where he built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless friendships. Known lovingly to many as "Chino," Israel attended Smouse Opportunity School and graduated from Ruby Van Meter School. He worked at Hy-Vee, where

Lori Leann Bell was born on April 8, 1960, in Terre Haute, Indiana, and entered her eternal rest on June 29, 2026, in Urbandale, Iowa. Lori graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1978. She served 10 years in the United States Army, serving deployment to Korea. Lori was an artisan, learning different crafts and making beautiful works of art ranging from hand embroidery and beading to polymer clay, knitting, felt embroidery, quilting, and bag making. Lori is a lifetime memb

Marilyn Ardith Smith, beloved daughter of Edward and Anna (Jeppesen) Lu nd, was born on August 10, 1938, at her parents' home near Wiota, Iowa. Surrounded by the comfort of home and the love of her family, Marilyn passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 87. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of her. Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1105 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa, where

Howard “Sonny” Thompson, beloved son of Loren and Vera Thompson, was born on February 6, 1940, at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He passed peacefully from this life on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Orilla’s Way in Grant City, Missouri, surrounded by the care and friendship of those who loved him. Howard spent most of his 86 years in and around the Des Moines neighborhood affectionately known as “Dog Patch,” a place that shaped his character, his humor, and his deep appr

In honor of Mr. Hai's life, family and friends are invited to join us on Saturday, June 27, at Merle Hay Funeral Home, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa. A gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Ceremonial Celebration at 1:00 p.m. Your presence, love, and support will be a meaningful comfort as we come together to honor and remember Mr. Hai.

Betty June Stoll, age 91, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was defined by family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for life's simple joys. Betty was born on June 6, 1935, to Robert Roy and Lois Allene Grove. She grew up surrounded by the love and companionship of her six brothers and sisters, relationships she treasured throughout her life. The close bonds she shared with her family helped shape the caring, generous,

Lisa Jean Bair, 68, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on June 8, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 18th, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home and Chapel Hill Cemetery (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310) from 10AM to 12PM. Following the Celebration, Lisa will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Cemetery, all are welcome to attend. Lisa was born on November 7, 1957, in Charles City, Iowa. She attended Urbandale High School and was known

In Loving Memory of Kathy Ann Dice-Leto January 19, 1952 – May 31, 2026 Kathy Ann Dice-Leto was born on January 19, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa. She passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Lake Okoboji was a special part of Kathy’s childhood, and she carried that love of the lake into the early years of raising her own family. She loved being near the water, enjoyed water skiing, and anyone who truly knew Kathy knew how much she

Brian L Bemisdarfer, 75, of Des Moines, Iowa passed from this life June 5, 2026, at his home from Cancer. Brian was born May 5, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lyle M. and Marilyn P. (Long) Bemisdarfer. When Brian was 18 months old, he contracted Polio, The Shriners of Des Moines helped Brian in his care in a Minneapolis, Minnesota hospital. While receiving care there, Brian met the art teacher who inspired his lifelong passion for art when he was about nine years old. Brian g

Larry K. Mrky was born on September 14, 1942, in Ord, Nebraska, and passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa. Family was the center of Larry’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa/grandfather, brother, and friend who truly loved supporting those he cared about. Larry coached Little League baseball for his son Mark and later coached softball for his daughters, Michele and Megan. As his family grew, so did his dedication to cheering o

Juliana Fileto nació el 19 de junio de 1940 en Atotonilco Durango, Mexico y partió a la vida eterna el 13 de mayo de 2026 en MercyOne Hospital en Des Moines. A lo largo de sus 85 años, Juliana vivió una vida profundamente arraigada en su fe católica y dedicada por completo a su familia. Fue una mujer de bondad y compasión inquebrantables, que creó un hogar cálido y amoroso para su esposo, hijos y nietos. Su mayor alegría provenía de compartir su fe y valores con sus seres que

Jessica Henderson, age 40, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday May 9th surrounded by her family and her best friend, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and deep connection that will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Jessica was a beautiful soul with the biggest heart. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, loved, and important. Whether someone was family, a lifelong friend, or a complete stranger, Jessica showed up for pe

Gerald (Jerry) Thomas Farrell (86) went to the Lord peacefully on March 21st, 2026, in the company of loved ones. Born on January 4th, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jerry lived a full life, wearing many hats. He had an entrepreneurial spirit early on and started his own real estate brokerage company, owned and operated a semi-truck and managed some major warehouse operations. He moved with Proctor & Gamble to Greensboro, NC where he started a business re-selling test strips. He

April 5, 1942 — May 2, 2026 • ——— • ——— • Bhikhiben Vallabhbai Patel, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on April 5, 1942, in India, Bhikhiben lived a life defined by love, resilience, and dedication to her family. Bhikhiben was born and raised in India, where she grew into a woman of strength and curiosity. She married her husband, Vallabhbhai Patel, and together they built a life rooted i

Salvador Medina Flores nació el 25 de junio de 1946 en El Plateado de Joaquín Amaro, Zacatecas. El 30 de abril de 2026 fue llamado a la casa del Padre, rodeado del amor de su familia y en la paz de su hogar. Salvador fue un esposo, padre y abuelo ejemplar, un hombre trabajador y luchador que siempre se esforzó por brindar lo mejor a su familia. Junto a su amada compañera de vida por más de 50 años, María Isabel Medina, formó un hogar lleno de amor y criaron a sus cuatro hijas

Sally A. Vandivier, 76, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at her home. Services were held Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, with Pastor Anitra Horn officiating. Sally was born May 28, 1949. She is survived by her sister, Jackie Vandivier of Ankeny, Iowa; and her nephews, Bill Vandivier of Ankeny, Mike Miller of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Keith West of Des Moines, Iowa. Merle Hay Funeral Home handled arrangements.