Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA

04/13/2026

Gertrude Mae Jones

Gertrude Mae Coglon Jones was born in her parents' farm home north of Exira, in Greeley Township, Audubon County on January 24, 1927. She was the second born to Ray and Lena Rabe Coglon. She died April 11, 2026 at Elm Crest Retirement Community, Harlan Iowa at the age of 99 years, 2 months and 16 days.

She was baptized in the Christian faith and later joined the Methodist Church. She graduated from Exira High School in 1944. In the fall she began country school teaching on an emergency war certificate at age 17. She taught for 4 terms in Sharon and Greeley township's schools. In later years she declared the country school experiences, both as a pupil and teacher, as being some of her life's most rewarding.

On June 28, 1949 she married Guy Stanley Jones of Audubon, Iowa in Exira Christian Church. They lived in rural Exira for a time before moving to Anita in 1950 and in 1961 to Harlan. She resided at Elm Crest Retirement Community from December 2019 until her death. To this union, three children were born: Bonita Rae Jones Miller, Brian Ray Jones, a Marine Captain who lost his life in a helicopter accident at Camp Lejeune N.C. in 1984 at age 32, and Bruce Arthur Jones who lived and died at home at age 42 from Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy.

Gertrude was active in church and in earlier years, taught Sunday School, Bible school and sang in the choir. She is a member of the First United Methodist Women's organization. For several years she took care of the paraments and weekly altar decorations and arrangements. She enjoyed taking care of the sanctuary flowers, Christmas decorations and serving as liturgist. She was a member of the sanctuary renovations committee 1996-1999.

In May 1981, she was selected by the church women as Harlan and Shelby County's Mother of the Year and became one of Iowa's Merit Mothers. After being the primary care giver for her son Bruce, seeing that he got to his elementary and Jr. High classes in his wheelchair. After 9th grade she helped him with home correspondence from American Schools for his H.S. diploma. She has helped Bruce write his book titled, "Horizon of a Boundless Mind" by taking his dictation. For years she organized Harlan's Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day Telethon's pledge center.

Gertrude enjoyed journaling, collecting quotes and kept a daily diary which offered glimpses of her life and thoughts. She wrote many notes and many letters to friends, relatives and her 1944 classmates. She sent over 200 Christmas cards with an annual message.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her sons, Brian and Bruce, son-in-law David Miller, brothers, James, Raymond and Timothy Coglon, daughter-in-law Karen Jones Harris, brother and sister-in-law Don and Jean Jones of Mason City Iowa. She is survived by her daughter, Donita Miller of Harlan, IA; granddaughter, Dr. Cresta Jones of Richmond, VA; grandson, Nathaniel Guy (Janet) Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; great-grandchildren, Stella, Josephina, Bridget and Audrey Crump of Richmond, VA; Sydney, Kira and Brian Jones of Virginia Beach, VA; nephew, Tom (Sharon) Jones of LaQuinta, CA; other family members and special friends.

Celebration of life was held at Pauley Jones Funeral Home with burial at Harlan Cemetery. Memorial gifts will be given to Muscular Dystrophy and First Methodist Church under direction of family or personal choice.

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04/10/2026

Pauley Jones Funeral Homes is honored to share the purchase of the Grace on Main building in Elk Horn, IA: soon to become Kulturhus. A warm and welcoming space created for life’s most meaningful moments.

Rooted in community and tradition, Kulturhus will be a place to gather, celebrate, and remember, from joyful milestones to heartfelt farewells.

Kulturhus will also offer Kaffehus, a cozy spot for coffee, connection, and everyday conversation. We’ll also offer custom design and printing services to help bring every event detail together from invitations to keepsakes.

We can’t wait to welcome you and celebrate life, community, and the moments that matter most! ❤️🇩🇰

04/07/2026

Michael Willis Scherff

Michael Willis Scherff, the son of Willis (Bill) and Louise (Brandenburg) Scherff, was born on January 29th, 1956. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, in Denison where he was a long time member of the congregation. Mike attended Denison Schools and graduated from Denison High School in 1975.

Mike enlisted in the Army in 1978. He was honorably discharged in 1986. During Mike's enlistment, he was stationed overseas, and in Germany, for over 3 years. After his military service, Mike lived in Sioux City while attending Western Iowa Tech. Mike returned to Denison in 1988 and was employed at the Denison Newspapers, before beginning a 17 year career at IBP and Tyson's. After the plant closed, Mike joined WESCO, in Denison, where he worked at varying jobs.

Mike enjoyed being outdoors. In his free time, he loved going fishing and hunting and loved to go to Swan Lake in Carroll, IA, to watch the bald eagles and look at the different animals they had at the park. Many days you would see Mike walking around the Denison High School parking lot and the Northside Recreation areas picking up trash. Mike was an avid bowler and was a member of different teams at Lucky Lanes in Denison. Mike qualified to bowl at the Iowa Games several times, and brought home numerous medals. Mike also participated in the Iowa Special Olympics where he competed in a variety of events. He was fortunate to bring home many medals and ribbons from his different competitions.

Mike loved to go fishing, out to eat, or on different road trips with his good friend, Karl McCall. Many days you would see them sitting outside of their apartments "watching the world go by." It’s unclear at this time who caught the biggest fish, but we know they always had a great time together.

Mike passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, April 6th, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Louise Scherff.

He is survived by his brother, Robert (Cindy) Scherff of Denison, IA; nieces and nephews, Justin Scherff, his children, Jackson, Grayson, & Kennedy; Kristin (Adam) Henry, their children, Owen, Emma, & Wyatt; Brandon (Jenni) Scherff, their children, Easton, Baylor, & Emmy; Megan Scherff (fiancé Scotty Tigner); other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests taking someone fishing or bowling in memory of Mike.

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04/06/2026

Steven Wayne Brown

Steven Wayne Brown was born to Marilyn (Miller) and Bud Brown on July 31, 1961 in Mount Ayr, Iowa. As a child, Steve was a proud member of the Boy Scouts. While in highschool is where he earned the Eagle award by working on the Girl Scout’s cabin. Steve attended grade school in Creston where he graduated with the class of 1979.

Following graduation, Steve went on to attended Kirkwood Community College where he was awarded his degree in Parks and Natural Resource Tech. After graduating from college, Steve began working with the parks and recreational for Shelby County. He then tried several other occupations before beginning his 33 year employment with Mahle in Atlantic, Iowa until December of 2025.

On June 23, 1984, Steve married Dana Loomis. To this union, their four children were born: Steffenie, Matthew, Patrick, and Daniel. Following their separation, Steve married his love, JoAnn (Smith) Brown on August 18, 2011 in Harlan, Iowa. Steve was a big family man and he was very proud to be a father and grandfather. He loved spending time outdoors and you could often find him out hunting, trapping and fishing with the boys. He also enjoyed when his daughter would make him her famous cheeseburgers.

Steve passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Harlan, Iowa attaining the age of 64 years, 8 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his father, Bud Brown; dad, Dana Larimore; mothers-in-law, Diane Loomis and Ruth Mortensen; and fathers-in-law, John Smith and Butch Mortensen.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Brown of Elk Horn, IA; mother, Marilyn Larimore of Creston, IA; children, Steffenie (Brian) Roach of Council Bluffs, IA; Matthew (Brianna) Brown of Des Moines, IA; Patrick (Jordyn) Brown of Creston, IA; Daniel Brown of Elk Horn, IA; honorary son, Kenny Fenton of Harlan, IA; grandchildren; Jaelyn, Laramie, Jaxon, & Krew; siblings, Dave (Tami) Larimore of Ogden, IA; Kim (Darrel) Robertson of Corning, IA; Kevin (Andrea) Brown of Port St. Lucie, FL; Tony (Paula) Martens, his brother from another mother; In-laws, Ron (Donna) Smith of TN, Troy (Laura) Smith of Elk Horn, IA, Robin Smith of Fairhope, AL, Patty Ginder of Fairhope, AL; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

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04/05/2026

Domitila Portillo

Domitila Portillo, hija de María Dolores Portillo y Fermín Márquez, nació el 05 de febrero de 1954 en Carolina, San Miguel, El Salvador. Domitila falleció el 04 de abril 2026 a los 72 años, 1 mes, y 30 días en Crawford County Memorial Hospital acompañada de su hija Delia López y su yerno Marvin López.

En su juventud Domitila trabajo en servicio doméstico hasta que empezó su vida con su pareja y tuvo a sus hijos Eugenio y Laura Acosta Portillo. Al llegar a Estados Unidos trabajo una gran variedad de trabajos incluyendo limpieza de casas, costura, plantas de proceso, y agricultura. Tuvo a sus hijos Delia López (Moran Portillo) y Alex Moran Portillo estando en Los Ángeles, California.

Domitila se unió en matrimonio con Ángel Galdamez Rodríguez el 18 de marzo del 2006. Disfrutaron su matrimonio por 10 años en los cuales se cuidaron con comprensión y amor muto. Viajaron sus últimos años juntos y disfrutaron conocer su país juntos y muchos familiares y amigos.

En su tiempo libre y retiro, Domitila disfruto mucho viajar, conectar con su familia, y ayudar a muchas personas. Lo que Domitila más amo en esta vida fue ser abuela. Domitila tuvo una gran compasión por los de más y siempre pensaba en sus necesidades.

Domitila fue precedida en muerte por sus padres, su hermana Gloria, y hermano Juan. Le sobreviven sus hijos Eugenio, Laura (Abner), Delia (Marvin), y Alex (Rosa), sus hermanos Antonio, José, Moises, y Silvia; y muchos familiares más.

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04/04/2026

Peggy Jean Brue

Peggy Jean Brue was born to Clarence and Nina (Potts) Campbell on January 12, 1937 in Harlan, Iowa. She lived on a farm growing up and attended Irwin Public School where she graduated in 1955. She then attended Commercial Business school in Omaha, Nebraska. Following graduation, she returned to Harlan where she worked at a lawyers office for several years.

On January 12, 1957, Peggy married the love of her life, Bill Brue. To this union, two sons were born: Kurt and Jay Brue. Peggy was a homesteader, but she also worked part time for the public school in Irwin and at the Methodist Church as a secretary. She also did some work part time at a local restaurant helping with the food preparation. Outside of work, Peggy was an active member of the Eastern Star Association.

Peggy passed away peacefully at Hansen House Assisted Living in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Friday, April 3, 2026 attaining the age of 89 years, 2 months and 22 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Nina Campbell and husband, Bill Brue.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Kurt (Linda) Brue of Omaha, Nebraska; Jay (Mary) Brue of Blair, Nebraska; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Gary (Daneen) Campbell of Waterloo, Iowa; Clarice (Ron) Rubek of Ankeny, Iowa.

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04/04/2026

Luetta Schwery

Luetta Susana Schwery was born November 23, 1932, to Anthony J. and Anna (Kloewer) Klein on a farm near Harlan, the fourth of seven children. She was baptized in St. Boniface Church in Westphalia and made her first communion and was confirmed at St. Michael's Church in Harlan.

She went to elementary school in Kirkman until she moved with her family to a farm near Manilla when she was in the seventh grade. She graduated from Manilla High School in 1950 and entered nurses training at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Council Bluffs. She graduated in 1953 and was awarded her RN degree after successfully passing her State Board Exams.

She was employed at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs until her marriage to Michael Schwery on January 26, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. They made their home on a farm near Panama. To this union ten children were born: Mark, Laura, Neil, Diane, David, Denise, Lisa, Kathy, Karen, and Paul.

She continued to work part time at Myrtue Memorial Hospital and Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling while caring for her family. She was a member of St. Mary's Church of the Assumption in Panama, St. Mary's Choir and Altar Society as well as the Panama Community Chorus. She also served on the Parish Council and the Panama Community Club as well as the Sewing Circle and American Legion Auxiliary (over 50 year member).

In 1984 she returned to school to obtain her bachelor's degree in nursing attending classes at Bellevue University and Clarkson College in Omaha. In 1989, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and subsequently worked in Home and Public Health, first in Crawford County and then in Shelby County.

Michael passed away in 1986 following a lengthy illness after 31 years of marriage. Lu continued to live on the farm until 1992 when she purchased a home in Harlan and became a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. After her retirement in 1997, she returned to school and took classes through Iowa State University Extension to obtain her Master Gardener Certification.

Lu enjoyed her flowers, handwork, quilting, and playing cards (500). Her greatest joys have been her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

She passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, surrounded by her family at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, attaining the age of ninety-three years, four months, and eleven days. In addition to her parents and husband, Mike, she was preceded in death by her brother Clifford Klein and sister Evelyn Burkhart.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Connie) Schwery, Laura (Richard) Branstetter, Neil (Mary) Schwery, Diane (Jim) Arkfeld, David (Pat) Schwery, Denise (Steve) Krohn, Lisa (Rich) McDermott, Kathy (Roger) Lee, Karen (Dale) Muell, Paul (Joi) Schwery; 30 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; siblings, Anthony Klein, Jr., Marie O'Gorman, Verla Kramer, Judith (Gary) VanAernam; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

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04/02/2026

Philip Funk

Philip John “Skip” Funk, 82, of Avoca, IA, passed away surrounded by family on April 1, 2026 at Azria Health Rose Vista in Woodbine, IA. He was known as Phil to his friends in Nebraska and Iowa but lovingly known as Skip or Uncle Skip to his family and friends in Wisconsin. It is impossible to describe in words the enormous heart and soul God bestowed on this man, but here is a small glimpse. He was a man who valued relationships with family, satisfaction in a job well done, and proudly supported service to the community and nation.

Phil was born in Racine, WI on November 28, 1943 to George and Elizabeth (Kah) Funk. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Caledonia, WI. He attended Trinity Lutheran Grade School and Horlick (orthopedic) High School in Racine, WI. Phil contracted polio in 1950 at the age of seven and was determined to overcome it without dependence on braces or crutches, which he did. He never saw himself as disabled and he was not afraid to prove it. His brothers would say he worked four times harder and longer than everyone else just to prove he could and would get offended if they offered to help him. In spite of multiple surgeries and treatments, he never complained even to his last day.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lou (Crouch) on May 28, 1966 in Racine, WI. Phil earned his most prized title of dad as the young couple was blessed with five children. The family moved to Nebraska in 1972. They opened their home to foster kids for over 20 years. Two foster kids were adopted and several others maintained relationships with the family for decades. There were many other kids from the community as well as friends of his children who called him “Pops” or “Dad.”

Phil spent many polio-recovery hours in his youth learning machinist skills from his grandfather, John Kah, when he was unable to attend school. This was the beginning of a long career as an industrial engineer and electrician. He was most proud of a tool he designed at Leverage Tools Inc. that was used by NASA. He also designed robotic welders and precision hydraulic manufacturing systems throughout his extensive career. Phil worked for Filter Specialists, Inc (FSI) in Grand Island, NE as an industrial maintenance manager for 36 years. When it came to repairing things, it seemed there was nothing he could not fix. If he did not know how, he would get out his books and look it up. There was no problem unsolvable to Phil. His family would say, “If Dad can’t fix it, it ain’t broke.” Over the years, he received frequent phone calls from his kids who live all over the country to get advice and guidance on any given home improvement project and he was always happy to help. Phil and Lou moved to Avoca, IA in 2007 after retirement.

Phil instilled that same “can do” attitude and passion in his children. He taught the values of hard work, trying, and not giving up when something was challenging. The word “can’t” did not exist but rather try, look it up, learn, try again, and stick with it until you figure it out. Those lessons nurtured all of his children to be successful adults which gave him immense joy.

Phil was also very passionate about service and was a proud patriot. His only life regret was that polio prevented him from serving in the military, which was a family legacy as his father, uncle, and brothers served our country. Phil served his local community as a devoted member of the Glenvil Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. His first responder

achievements included EMT, fire fighter, trained weather spotter, assistant fire chief, and Clay County Civil Defense. He was profoundly fulfilled by his accomplishments and service to others in the community. Phil was elated that ten of his children and grandchildren carried on the family tradition of military service as well as two with careers in law enforcement. He was especially proud of his son Bill, who earned the prestigious US Army Edmund L. Gruber Award (field artillery) for taking the initiative to modify vehicles to protect soldiers from IEDs in Iraq. When Bill was asked by a general where he learned to do that, he proudly said, “from my dad.”

Phil was very active and always stayed busy. He enjoyed gardening and had a passion for woodworking. He loved teaching others woodworking, electrical, and other maintenance skills. When he was not working on a project, he could be found camping and fishing every chance he got. The only time he spent resting on the couch was during a NASCAR race. Phil loved music. He taught himself to play guitar as a means of rehabilitating his polio-affected hand and encouraged the musical talent of others in the family. He loved to sing classic country songs at karaoke and listen to his kids and grandkids play instruments and sing.

Phil, “Skip” Funk was a humble, kind, gentle, driven man who understood the meaning of hardship and blessings and it was reflected in the way he lived his life. He always had a smile and a big, genuine hug for anyone who needed it. Above all, Phil’s greatest joy was his family. He left an imprint on each of them, including his great grandchildren, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth Funk; his sisters, Joyce Funk, Shirley (Brinkmann) Rottmann, and Charlene (Brinkmann) Passmore; his brothers, Kenneth Funk, Paul Funk, and Ronald Brinkmann; his nephew, Jonathan Gross; and his great-grandson, Kolton Albers.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Lou; his children Mike (Denise) McNeal of Ferndale, WA; Kevin (Anne) Hecke of Glenvil, NE; Mary (John) Walaszek of Jackson, NJ; Karen (Phillip) Rodriguez of Avoca, IA; William (Dawn) Funk of North Augusta, SC; Suesan (Wade) Bott of Ferndale, WA; Jason (Kim) Funk of Hastings, NE; his grandchildren, Tim (Sydney) Hecke of Geneva, NE; Sarah (Tom) Byrne of Blair, NE; Amanda Albers of Hastings, NE; Ephraim Hintz of Venice, CA; Steven (Holly) Walaszek of Oxnard, CA; Eric (Dryden) Funk of Ogden, IA; Amber (Trey) Snyder of North Platte, NE; John Philip “JP” Walaszek of Jackson, NJ; Preston (Leah Shohat) Scott of Tulsa, OK; Deanna Walaszek of Freehold, NJ; Justin Funk of Avoca, IA; Jason (Kiersten Pape) Funk of Hastings, NE; William Cousineau of Ferndale, WA; Justin Matlock of North Augusta, SC; 17 great-grandchildren, sister Georgeanne (Bob) Gross of Waukesha, WI; sister-in-law Karen Funk of Adams, WI; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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04/01/2026

Douglas Redinbaugh

Douglas "Doug" Dean Redinbaugh was born on December 21,1949 to Verne and June Redinbaugh in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Doug grew up on a farm outside of Neola, Iowa with his parents and siblings, Verna, Richard, Dianne, Rodney, Les and Mike.

Doug went to grade school in Neola, Iowa and graduated from Tri-Center in 1968. He carried with him during his school years a billfold full of excuses he would use to get out of school so he could go home to farm. While in high school, he participated in wrestling, 4-H and enjoyed showing cattle at both county and Iowa State fairs.

Doug was drafted into the Army August 4,1969. He had exceptional performance of duty as a power generator equipment repairman in the direct support of a platoon. He spent time training in St. Louis, MO and served our country during the Vietnam War. Doug spoke a lot about his military service and was incredibly proud of it.

After his time in the service, he came home where he continued his love of farming. He established Indian Creek Farms, Inc. in 1974 where he enjoyed the life of a hardworking man, a workaholic to be exact. He grew his farming operation alongside his son, and they eventually added a trucking line. He became a proud father of Matt in 1973 and again when his daughter Jill was born in 1980.

Doug absolutely loved riding horses. In his earlier years he participated in endurance races. His favorite horse JR went on countless riding adventures with him and spent time working with cattle. Doug rode in over 20 River City Roundup rides, usually stretching from Adel, Iowa to Omaha, Nebraska.

In 1993 he met the love of his life, Diana at Cadillacs, a country dance club in Wiota, Iowa. They quickly became soulmates and were united in marriage on February 10,1996 with a small wedding and a big dance party on a beautiful winter day in Atlantic, Iowa. On that day, he gained 2 daughters, Elisha and Marsha and a son, Mark.

Besides working and riding horses, he loved his annual camping trips with Diana and friends in South Dakota. It was there he met Pat, who became his "adopted" son. Many nights were spent around campfires telling stories, drinking beer, relaxing and laughing. He loved riding horses in the hills and exploring new areas of nature. When he was in South Dakota, he felt peaceful. He felt like he belonged there.

As time went on, annual trips to Arizona for the winters became the place where he took Diana. There he thoroughly enjoyed the weather, the time away from work, the arthritis relief and spending time with his friends. He also enjoyed bicycling, going to Barret Jackson Auctions, having coffee with the guys in the clubhouse and the occasional visit from his kids and grandkids.

During his life, what he enjoyed the most was his grandchildren. He taught them how to ride horses, farm, take care of the land, camp, eat ice cream, be silly and hide things from grandma. He always told them, "Grandma doesn't need to know everything." or "What she doesn't know, won't upset her." He went to countless sporting events, dance recitals, Grandparent's Days at schools, music concerts and fair activities. When they spent nights at his house, it was always a given they would drink root beer and indulge in ice cream parties.

Due to health reasons, he retired from farming in 2020 and his son continued with his legacy of Indian Creek Farms, Inc. For the years following, his health steadily declined, however he was under the loving care of his wife and those closest to him. Four years before he left this earth, a daughter he was not given the opportunity to know was introduced into his life and welcomed with open arms.

He moved to the Hansen House in October of 2024 along with Diana, where they lived out his final days. Diana continued to stay by his side and was his biggest advocate. He left this earth peacefully wrapped in Diana's arms. He will be greatly missed by those who loved, respected, cherished and stood by him till the end.

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03/26/2026

03/23/2026

Earl R. Groth

Earl's services have been moved indoors to 1425 Broadway Street, Denison, IA 51442 due to weather conditions.

Earl Richard Groth, son of Harry and Gladys (Burmeister) Groth, was born July 2nd, 1946, in Denison, Iowa. Earl was raised on a farm northwest of Denison in Goodrich Township. He attended Goodrich #3 Rural School and later continued his education at Schleswig Community School.

In January 1965, he enlisted in the Army and served during the Vietnam War until December 1967. After his discharge, he began a career in trucking, working for Schleswig Transfer from 1971 to 1975, Crouse Cartage from 1976 to 1979, and Farmland from 1986 to 2002. From 2002 onward, he drove for Mid-Continent Trucking.

On July 15, 1982, Earl was united in marriage to Teresa Ann at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Kevin and Carri, and made their home in Denison, Iowa

Earl had a lifelong passion for farming. After serving in the army, he farmed alongside his father for several years. He later returned to farming at their home place from 1980 to 1984.

Earl passed away at the Good Samaritan Society on Friday, March 20, 2026. He was proceeded in death by both of his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Groth of Auburn, NE; children, Kevin Groth of Auburn, NE, Carri (Lucas) Schroeder of Stewartville, MN; grandchildren, Elijah Groth, Hannah Groth, Carter Groth; siblings, Tom Groth of Schleswig, IA, Sheila Groth of Schleswig, IA; and other family and friends.

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03/22/2026

Leone Deskin

Esther "Leone" Deskin, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, after a brief stay in hospice at Myrtue Medical Center.

Leone was born on February 14, 1931, in Spring Hill, Iowa to Homer and Esther Lockwood. Following high school graduation, Leone attended Simpson College and joined the Tri Delta sorority where she met and married her husband, Merle on June 1, 1952. Sadly, Merle died in 1970 of pancreatic cancer. Leone decided the best way to manage as a single mother and provide for her 3 young children was to complete her master's degree through many weekend and summer courses at Drake University and UNO.

Leone taught fifth grade from 1950 - 1971 and then became the media specialist for all three elementary schools in Harlan, Iowa. Leone received many awards for her outstanding contributions to Iowa education. She was particularly proud of her work introducing computers to the elementary school level and was recognized as a leader and innovator.

Leone retired in 1993 and really began to enjoy travel, finding her "partner-in-crime" in her good friend Barb. They took many trips to other countries that resulted in a few keepsakes, memories of a lifetime and a seemingly unlimited supply of funny stories to highlight their misadventures.

Leone enjoyed playing bridge and volunteering at her church and within the community. She picked up a number of new hobbies, including toll painting, stock market investing, and stained-glass art, while never putting down her books and love of reading. Leone seemed endlessly capable in all things and was adamant that she could mow her own yard and shovel her own snow well into her 90's.

Leone lived a long and meaningful life marked by strength, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends. As a teacher, a parent and active member of the community, she touched the lives of many. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merle, and her sisters, Elinor, Marge, Hazel, and Ruth.

Leone is survived by her children, Doug (Deb) of Urbandale, IA; Mike (Jan) of Scottsdale, AZ; and Sandy of Centennial, CO; her grandchildren, Jacob (Maria) of Urbandale, IA; Alyssa (Thomas) of Urbandale, IA; Claire (Luke) of Aurora, CO; Chloe of Los Angeles, CA; and Emily of San Diego, CA; her great-grandchildren, Hayden and Charlie; and her sister, Eunice; as well as, many dear nieces/nephews and their families.

Leone will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her steady presence, and the love she shared with family and friends. Her greatest joy was found in the time she spent with her family, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for generations.

Funeral services will be 9:00 am Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at The Church on the Hill (Congregational Church) in Harlan, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Leone's memory or donations to the Harlan Community Library in memory of Leone Deskin. Leone's love of reading sustained her through the years and was passed on to subsequent generations.

Leone will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

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