The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 13

Des Moines Register Metro Edition Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Page 5B Obituaries Submit obituaries an at obituary and search DesMoinesRegister.com/obituaries a database of recent BARBARA JEAN THOMAS Nevada Barbara Jean Thomas, 83 of Nevada died on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Story County Medical Center in Nevada. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 22 at the Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street in Nevada with Pastor David Burling officiating. Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Barb was born on October 16, 1927 in Ames to Galen W.

(Swede) and Elizabeth L. (Taylor) Valline. She was an Ames High School graduate. On December 9, 1957, Barb married Raymond Lloyd Thomas in Omaha, NE. She was employed by Scudder's Department Store in Nevada.

Barb was a member of the Memorial Lutheran Church. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed sewing. Barb is survived by three daughters, Mary Ann (Don) Perry, Becky Sue (Craig) Trickey all of Ames, and Rae Jean (Barry) Carpenter of Corning; a son, Kenneth Lynn (Debra) Thompson of McCallsburg; eight grandchildren, Misty Wild, Joan Perry, Kenneth E. (Heather) Thompson, Jeff Thompson, Chad (Jami) Trickey, and Teresa Trickey; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill (Millie) Valline of Ames; a sister Amy Madrill of Bushnell, NE; and special friend Julee Welsh. Barb is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray on May 27, 2010, a son Gerrald Leslie Thompson on November 8, 1974, sister Betty Linder, son-in-law Wayne Grabau, and granddaughter-in-law Ali Thompson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21 with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chet Ryan Mortuary, 708 Fifth Street in Nevada. Memorials may be directed to Mainstream Living or One Heart Equestrian. Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Barb and her family. Chet MODITARY 708 Fifth Street Nevada.

1A 50201 515.382.3547 www.chetryanmortuary.com JIM GASPERI Des Moines Jim Gasperi of Des Moines passed away on Friday, September 16th, 2011. Jim was born in Pasadena, Texas on November 7, 1949 and was the oldest child of Raymond James and Norma Moore Gasperi, who survive. Jim is a proud alum of Iowa State University where he received an Engineering degree in 1973. He worked at for 15 years, built houses as Gasperi Builders for seven years and most recently was a financial advisor with Primerica. In addition to his parents, Jim is survived by his wife Jane, his beagle Lucy, sisters Betty (Mike) Sullivan, Gigi (Dan) Vance, and brother Doug, all of Des Moines, and six nieces and nephews, Kristi Hall, of Seattle, Emily Cifuentes of Las Vegas, Mary South, Jessie Friend, Jonathan Vance and Jeff Gasperi all of Des Moines.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of bringing family and friends together for special events and parties. He was a natural engineer, tearing apart appliances and engines since childhood. He loved playing volleyball, skiing, traveling and collecting comic books. For nearly 30 years his generous volunteer involvement in the city volleyball league ensured that team schedules were created, equipment was available and game data was recorded and participated in city leagues for over 25 years. He had tickets to every Indy 500 for over 30 years and loved grilling on his deck with friends and family.

Only second to the love he had for his family was his love for the ISU Cyclones. He didn't miss a home football game (including the most recent victory over Iowa), traveled to many bowl games over the years and has too many pieces of Cyclone wear to count. He loved being a big brother and his siblings looked to him for advice, ideas or just a listening ear. Jim was the first to move to Des Moines in 1973 and his entire family credits him with relocating them all here so that they could be close. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Tuesday, September 20th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

at the Walnut Woods State Park Lodge, 8951 SW 52nd Avenue in West Des Moines. Friends and family are invited to come and enjoy light refreshments and share memories of Jim. RONALD J. VOS Pella Memorial services for Ronald J. Vos, 71, will be held 10:30 a.m.

Thursday at the Heartland Reformed Church in Pella. Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday at the Pella Garden Chapel Funeral Home with family present 5 to 7 p.m. Pella (Garden Chapel FUNERAL HOMES MELODIE GARANSON Des Moines Melodie (Lemley) Garanson, 48, passed away at her home September 16, 2011. Melodie was born December 14, 1962 in De3 Moines to James and Lethabel Lemley. She graduated from East High School in 1981, and was a National Honor Society student.

In 1983, Melodie 0 graduated from AIB, where she studied accounting and computer programming. She married Mark Garanson on October 15, 1983. Melodie and Mark met at her first job, Adventureland, where she worked from 1979 to 1980. She began working for First Realty in 1983 and left in 1995 to work in the accounting department at Prairie Meadows. Melodie also worked part-time at K-Mart and Homemakers Furniture Outlet.

She enjoyed cooking, making crafts, NASCAR and Knittin' for Kittens for the Animal Rescue League. She was a lifelong member of Sheridan Park United Methodist Church. Melodie is survived by her husband, Mark Garanson; mother, Lethabel (Belle) Lemley; brother-in-law, Don (Michelle) Garanson; niece, Dr. Amanda (Omar) Moreno; aunt, Barb Musgrave; and her cousins, Marcia (Richard) Smith and Robin Smith. She was preceded in death by her father, James G.

Lemley; and her in-laws, Eskil and Irene Garanson. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Melodie, her Irish setter Patrick, and her cat, Wascal. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Ham- WAYNE HOLLIS "BILL" W. MILES Des Moines Des Moines Brandon Wayne Townsley, 26, died Friday, September 16, 2011, from injuries sus- Des Moines tained in a tragic accident. He was born on June 13, 1985, in Des Moines to Donald and Robin Townsley.

Brandon was a loving father and will be greatly missed. Brandon is survived by his wife, Lacey; stepdaughter, Deserayee Kimball; daughter, Shawnna Townsley; son, A.J Townsley; mother, Robin (Satnam) Malhi; father, Don (Kari) Townsley; sisters, Chrishell Townsley, Cheyenne Malhi, Shawneca Townsley, Lara Townsley, Marissa Townsley, and Alexis Townsley; stepbrothers, Eli and Sam Canfield; grandma, June Golay; grandpa, Don Townsley; step-grandparents, John and Connie Biersma; great-grandma, Agnes Hall; nephew, Kaydin Townsley; special friend, Amy Yossett; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by grandfather, Jerry D. Golay; and grandmother, Deloris Townsley. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 22, 2011, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Des Moines, with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 21 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Brandon Townsley Benefit Account at any Veridian Credit Union in loving memory of Brandon. Online condolences may be made to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com Hollis "Bill" W. Miles, 82, passed away September 16, 2011 at Taylor House Hospice. Bill was born October 9, 1928 in Des Moines to Hollis and Geneiva (LaFallot), Miles.

He served in the U.S. Marine during the Korean War. Bill retired from Firestone after 34 years of service and also worked part-time at Lewis Systems and Vets Auditorium. Bill was a member of the Steel Workers Union Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jeanne; sons, Dennis (Paula) Miles, Gary (Kim) Miles and James Miles; daughters, Mary (Steve) Bauer, Debra Miles, Deanna (Lee) Summy and Denise Miles; brother, David Miles; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Dean Martin Miles.

A private family burial will be held at Glendale Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. MAURICE GROENENDYK Pella Maurice E. Groenendyk, 73, of Pella, passed away Saturday morning. Maurice, founder of the Thrift Shop in Pella, is survived by his two daughters: Jill and her husband, Dean Borgman, and Julie Richardson of Pella; and his son, Derek Groenendyk and his wife, Anna, of Tucson, AZ.

Funeral services will be held, Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m. at the Federated Fellowship Church in Pella. Visitation will begin Tuesday morning at Federated Fellowship where the family will be present Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. SERVICE AND VISITATION announcements. Anne G.

Capps 10:30 AM Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Family Greeting 5-7 PM Tuesday with 7 PM Vigil Service at Grandview Park Chapel 515-265-1652 ilesfuneralhomes.com OBITUARY directory FIND ALL OF THESE DesMoinesRegister.com/obituaries ONLINE AT Name City Funeral Home Name City Funeral Home Humboldt Oakcrest Funeral Reisetter, Lois Grinnell Boeke Funeral Homes Basler, Gary Beard, Mike Knoxville Bybee Davis Shafer, Anna May Des Moines Lensing Funeral Funeral Service Choplin, Joyce G. West Des Moines McLaren's a Chapel Thomas, Sheldon, Gerald Barbara Nevada Johnston Chet Bolin Ryan Mortuary Fuller, Garanson, John Melodie Des Moines Hamilton's Tovrea, M. Irene Waukee Iles-Westover Chapel Altoona Chapel Jim Des Moines Merle Hay Townsley, Brandon Des Moines Hamilton's Gasperi, Groenendyk, Maurice Pella Van Dyk- Duven Van Patten, G. "Nick" Des Moines Iles-Westover Chapel I Henning, Ivan Scranton Dahn and Woodhouse Vos, Ronald Pella Garden Chapel Kinney, Wanda Brooks Funeral Care Home States, Young, Helen Mildred Des Winterset Moines Ochiltree Hamilton's Rosann Clive Iles dunn's Chapel Randless, Charles Des Moines Hamilton's Krile, Harold Spencer Warner Funeral Mitchell, James Tama Kruse-Phillips Tracy, Ralph Des Moines Hamilton's Mayne, Loran E.

Ames Grandon Funeral Miles, Hollis "Bill" Des Moines Hamilton's Mohr, JOYCE G. CHOPLIN West Des Moines Joyce G. Choplin, 89, passed away on Friday, September 16, 2011 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, 50312 with inurnment at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Joyce was born December 14, 1921 in Battle Creek, Iowa to Allan and Frankie (Fouts) Mickelsen. She graduated from Battle Creek High School. Joyce was a Medical Transcriptionist for the Diagnostic Clinic in Des Moines. She was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir for over 50 years, member of the Daughters of the Nile and a former member of the Des Moines concert singers. Joyce was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and sports fan, loved to play golf and her constant smile always brought sunshine into the room when she entered.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 70 years, John M. Choplin of West Des Moines; son, John (Linda) Choplin II of Indianapolis, Indiana; granddaughter, Julie Choplin Best, MD (Carl) of Phoenix, Arizona and their two children, Andrew and Katelyn Best; grandson, John Choplin III of Thousand Oaks, California and grandson, James (Alyssa) Choplin of Phoenix, Arizona and their three children, Selah, Micah and Keilah Choplin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Central Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society, Des Moines Chapter. McLaren's Chapel Dignity at Resthaven Cemetery MICHAEL M. BEARD Knoxville Funeral services for Michael Beard age 69 of Knoxville will be held on Tuesday at St.

Anthony's Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow at the Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Iowa, Mercy Boys Home Chicago, PKD Foundation or to the Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann; his daughter Maurya "Mollie" Hofner (Michael)of Springfield, IL; his grandchildren, Andrew and Annaliese Hofner; his siblings James Beard (Gloria) of Knoxville, Patricia Reddick (Ken) of Arden Hills, MN, and Thomas Beard (Carol Rowland) of Murfreesboro, TN. Online condolences may be left at bertrandfuneralhomes.com GARY MICHAEL BASLER Humboldt formerly of Renwick Gary M.

Basler, 77, of Humboldt formerly of Renwick died Sunday, September 18, 2011, at his home. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Renwick. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 21, at the St.

Paul Lutheran Church in Renwick with Pastor Lynn J. Noel officiating. Inurnment will be at Elmwood Cemetery. A full obituary can be seen and condolences left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com. Service Hamilton's Funeral Services Hamilton's 605 Lyon Street 243-5221 Molly Carico 1 PM Tuesday at the funeral home Hamilton's Southtown 5400 SW 9th Street 285-3911 Leland C.

Ogren, Jr 10 AM Tuesday at the funeral home 243-5221 Verna Ahntholz Elmer A. Beck Margaret "Jane" Bibber Wilma Ann Clark Cecelia Critchfield Melodie Garanson Ann Hunter Hollie "Bill" W. Miles Signe Juliet Olson Timothy Perdue uall Prasasouk Charles MermanRandles Dorothy Sawhill Mildred F. States Ralph Tracy Online condolences may be made www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com GERALD (JERRY) SHELDON Johnston He passed away September 17, 2011 at the Mercy Hospice Center in Johnston, IA. Memorial service will I be held Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at New Hope United Methodist Church in Des Moines, IA at 2:30 p.m.

with visitation at 2 p.m. until time of service. He graduated from Mt. Ayr High School and attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. He was an engineer with Northwestern Bell for 34 years.

A veteran World War II and the Korean War. He was a member of the New Hope UMC, Economic Club and Telecom Pioneers. He enjoyed spending time traveling, being with family, reading and his favorite place was Lansing, IA spending time on the Upper Mississippi River. He will be remembered for his humor, stories and quick wit. Gerald is survived by his wife Charlotte, two brothers Richard of Tucson, AZ and Lyndon of Colorado Springs, CO and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and five brothers. In Lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to The New Hope UMC, 4525 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310 or Wesley Adult Day Services, 3520 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. MILDRED FLORINE STATES Des Moines Mildred Florine States, 93, departed to be with her Lord and Saviour on September 13, 2011. She had lived in Mitchellville, Altoona and Des Moines. Funeral services are planned at Hamilton's Funeral, 605 Lyon St.

in Des Moines at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 with visitation one hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. ANNA MAY SHAFER Des Moines Anna May Shafer, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Mercy Hospice. Memorial Services will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, September 24,2011 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 412 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, where the family will greet friends prior to the service.

Burial will be at Friends Cemetery, New Sharon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Church, Bickford Cottage of Iowa City or Mercy Hospital Foundation for Mercy Hospice, Iowa City. Anna May had been a lifelong resident of Des Moines and Epworth United Methodist Church. Anna May is survived by her daughter Vicki of Iowa City, her son-in-law and two grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harlan and a brother.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com or to PO Box 167, Iowa City, Iowa 52244..