Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

06/16/2025

This Father’s Day, it’s important to recognize the impact losing a parent can have on a child. If you have a child in your life who has lost their father or a father figure, the National Alliance for Children's Grief provides resources, toolkits and support through their Family Portal for children dealing with a loss. https://nacg.org/

06/15/2025

On Father’s Day, we honor the fathers and father figures who shaped our lives and remember those we hold in our hearts. For those grieving the loss of a military loved one, TAPS offers resources providing hope and connection. https://www.taps.org/resources/

05/26/2025

On Memorial Day, we remember our fallen heroes who have given their lives to serve our country. TAPS has resources for military families and survivors, providing compassionate care and community to help navigate the difficult journey of grief and healing.
https://www.taps.org/memorialday

02/03/2025

Marlys Madelene Pederson
In the Care of Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

Marlys Madelene (Tibbits) Pederson passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2025 at The Bridges in Ankeny, Iowa. A celebration of life visitation and light lunch will be held on March 22nd, 2025 from 11:00 AM- 3:00 PM at Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory.

Marlys and her twin sister Marlene were born to Bill and Mae Tibbits on April 25th, 1936 on a farm in Clear Lake, Iowa. When they were young, the family moved to Fertile, Iowa. So many of their life events occurred in Fertile; their baptism, confirmation, high school graduation, and marriage. On November 4, 1955, Marlys married Herb Pederson. Together they had four children and spent much of their adult married life in Ankeny.

Marlys loved everybody and everybody loved her. She was known by so many as "Marvelous Marlys." She was a sweet, gentle soul who never had anything bad to say about anyone. Marlys was a shining light to all those that surrounded her. She impacted the lives of all she touched lovingly, a good heart!

Marlys had been actively involved in the Iowa Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, having been a survivor since April of 2004.

She was an avid Harlequin Romance reader, as was her twin sister, Marlene. Marlys also loved doing stitchwork and sharing her crafts. She loved playing cards, dancing, traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family. If her family needed her, she was there ~ always.

Marlys built a family that is so close and full of love. Marlys is survived by her children; Holly Pederson, Ranae Willer, Gary (Lisa) Pederson, and Shelly (Bill) Hunter; grandchildren, Jenna (Jared) Hummel, Casey (Allison) Pederson, Kyle Pederson, Zachary Yeoman, Jordan Costello, Kylee Willer, Koree (Amir) Begovic, Kellee (Luis) Peguero: great grandchildren, Gracelynn and Lincoln Hummel, Kaitlyn and Conner Pederson, Logan and Blake Costello, and Leila Peguero; her sisters Marlene (Jerry) Jenkins and Betty Lane; and her best friend Rosann Beckman.

Marlys is preceded in death by her husband, Herb Pederson; her parents; her brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Tibbits, Lawrence Tibbits, Robert Tibbits, and Marvin "Snook" Tibbits: her sisters, June Fredrickson, Phyllis Gericke, Clarice "T***s" Skyles; and son-in-law Howard (Holly) Yeoman.

Heaven got a little more Marvelous on January 22nd, 2025.

Memorial contributions in Marlys' memory may be made to the Iowa Chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

01/17/2025

Tina Broekemeier, age 81, of Ankeny, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Inurnment will take place on Monday, January 27th, 2025, at 2:00pm at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Tina Fortunata Broekemeier (Juan) was born on October 14th, 1943 in the Philippines. She met Richard Broekemeier in 1969 while she was working in a restaurant and he was serving in the United States Navy. When Richard left the Navy, he sent for her, and they were soon married. Once they were married, they had two children, Bonnie and Joseph.

She enjoyed fishing and sports, but she also loved dancing and playing volleyball. Tina was known for her cooking, and she was famous for her fried rice.

Tina Broekemeier is survived by her husband, Richard Broekemeier; children, Bonnie (Ben) Michel and Joseph (Kim) Broekemeier; and 6 grandchildren.

12/31/2024

12/25/2024

The greatest gift of all this holiday season is a loving family and close friends. May the holiday season bring you special moments and happy memories.

12/24/2024

Whether this is your 1st, 2nd, 6th or even 10th holiday without your loved one, there are ways you can manage your grief while still celebrating the season. Here are 5 tips: bit.ly/3MAMoIz

12/12/2024

Michael "Mike" Walter Michael
July 26, 1949 – December 8, 2024
In the Care of Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

Mike Walter Michael, age 75, passed in his Granger home on December 8, 2024. He was born on July 26, 1949 to Walter and Louise (Ingersoll) Michael. He graduated from Ankeny High School and he was a pitcher for the baseball team. Immediately after highschool, he joined the United States Army. After serving in the military, he worked as a truck driver.

He enjoyed woodworking, restoring antique wood pieces, and being a general handyman. He loved his Western movies, along with watching wrestling. Mike treasured being able to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Mike is survived by his children, Miles Michael, David Monroe, Mikie Michael, Mindy Brown, and Cindy Michael; and 11 grandchildren. He is preceded by his wife, Brenda Michael; and his parents, Walter and Louise Michael.

12/02/2024

Diane Jean Chambers
February 7, 1945 – November 30, 2024
In the Care of Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

Diane Jean Chambers (Schlenker), age 79, passed away November 30, 2024. A visitation will be held on December 5, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Ankeny Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 6:00pm.

Diane was born on February 7, 1945 to LeRoy and Gladyce Schlenker in Grimes, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm, where she excelled at showing pigs and horses at the county and state fairs. She was a good basketball player and liked to swim over at Camp Dodge. Diane graduated from Johnston High School in 1963. She married her long-time love, Robert, in November of 1964. Together, they lived on "Grant Street" in Ankeny, where they raised their four beautiful children, Jeff, John, Karl, and Jill. She started her career as a bus driver and then became secretary of maintenance. Diane later earned the title of the Head of Transportation for the Ankeny Community School District, and she loved it. Later in life, Diane and Bob moved back to the family farm in Grimes where Diane grew up.

Her biggest joy was having her grandkids gather at "the farm" for outdoor activities, which consisted of riding (and crashing) the gator and four wheelers, swimming in the pool, and endless hours jumping on the trampoline. These days usually ended with sleepovers, including buttered noodles and poached eggs on toast with bacon.

One of Diane's favorite pastimes was playing cards with her girl group and poker bunch. She enjoyed playing games with family and friends. Diane and Bob loved to go to casinos together, "spending their children's inheritance."

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Bob Chambers; her children, Jeff (Cindy) Chambers, John (Kelly) Chambers, Karl "Kype" (Jenni) Chambers, and Jill (Rick) Dakovich; grandchildren, Chace (Paulina), Chaz (Rachel), Chayden , Chyla, Katelyn (Tyler) Pagliai, Mikaela, Kylee, Alissa (Justin) Kleywegt, Josh, Joel, Jacob Dakovich, Jacey Dakovich; great-grandchildren, Bryar Pagliai, Elena Chambers, Reid Kleywegt.

She is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Gladyce Schlenker; brothers, Eldon Schlenker and Karl Schlenker; sister, Marilyn Bauer; and son-in-law, Rick Dakovich

In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, donations may be made to St. Judes or any cancer research organization of your choosing.

11/29/2024

In Norway, it is believed that witches and other evil spirits become more restless this time of year. While many are busy laying out cookies and milk for Santa, Norwegians hide their brooms on Christmas Eve!

11/28/2024

Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving.