Denis Vedova

Denis Vedova Obituary

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Age - 80

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October 7, 2023

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Albia, IA

Denis Ray Della Vedova, 80, of West Des Moines, Iowa (formally of Albia, Iowa) passed away on October 3, 2023. He was born on May 25, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri. Denis, affectionately known as "Disco" was a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, whose loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. A memorial service to honor Denis' life will be held 2 P. M. , on October 11, 2023, at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Indianola, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer's Association. Contributions can be made directly to http://act. alz. org/goto/Denis_Della_Vedova. The Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, Iowa, is entrusted with the arrangements. Denis was a man of great kindness, generosity, and a wonderful sense of humor. As the Patriarch of an Italian family, he was stubborn and controlling, but always put his family first. He had a creative spirit and took pleasure in working with his hands. Denis had strong values and a worldly perspective, always seeking intellectual growth, and embracing new experiences. Throughout his life, Denis built a successful career in the field of construction. His passion for the craft began in the family business at the age of fourteen, and he excelled as a builder with a particular affinity for the artistry of concrete. Denis was truly a master finisher, and his dedication to his work was unwavering. In 1989, Denis and his wife, Virginia, took the opportunity to establish their own business, DDVI, Inc. As a General Contractor, Denis embraced the responsibilities of business ownership, while still imparting his expertise and guidance to his team. Under his leadership, DDVI became one of the most reputable contractors in the state of Iowa. While Denis was devoted to his career, he also found joy in various hobbies and activities. He enjoyed playing golf (until his back wouldn't allow), creating in his workshop (sets for Rock Island High School Group Interp & Drama productions and props for Indianola School District "sock hop" fundraisers), and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed staying informed by watching Fox News. Denis also took pleasure in working with young people, attending Show Choir Competitions, and spending peaceful moments with "Ginny" on the porch, rocking and drinking coffee. He had a gift for storytelling and had a knack for making connections with people from all walks of life. Denis will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife Virginia Della Vedova of West Des Moines, Iowa, his son Rino C. Della Vedova of Bettendorf, Iowa, his daughter and son-in-law Gina and Rich Piper of Indianola, Iowa, his grandsons Tyler Piper of Omaha, Nebraska, Nicholas and Logan Piper of Indianola, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his father Rino Della Vedova, his mother Ruth Della Vedova, father-in-law Dom Scala, and mother-in-law Katie Scala. Denis will forever be remembered as a man of integrity, dedication, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of kindness, craftsmanship, and his ability to bring people together will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.

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"Janice Kay Toopes, age 69, of Albia, Iowa, formerly of Centerville, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, under the care of EveryStep Hospice at Oakwood Specialty Care Center in Albia. Janice was born on December 17, 1953, to Jack and Norma (Spradling) Petersen in Wagner, South Dakota. She grew up and graduated from Maplewood Academy High School in Minnesota before attending Iowa Western Community College where she received her LPN. In 1980, Janice was united in marriage to Robert Toopes at the First Baptist Church in Albia. Janice and Bob later divorced. Janice had a huge heart, was very generous and compassionate, who devoted her life to taking care of others in her long career in the nursing field. She worked as an LPN in different long term care facilities in the area before going to work for the VA Hospital in Knoxville, Marshalltown, Iowa City, and Ottumwa. Janice was always very proud to help take care of veterans. She also volunteered to help those in need, even traveling to Mexico to assist those with cleft palate. Janice enjoyed watching Lifetime movies, drinking coffee and loved a good margarita. Above all else, Janice loved her family and her dog, Ruby. Janice is survived by her 3 children, Travis Nagel, Trinia Clark, and Amanda Toopes; 6 grandchildren, Samantha (Jacob) Fuller, Ryne Fuller, Owen (Skylar) Fuller, Michael Fuller, Jacob Nagel and Jaxson Nagel; and 6 siblings, Meridel (Wendell) Folkerts, Michael (Annette) Petersen, Karen Morman, Terry Petersen, Jack (Lori) Petersen, and Reed Petersen; and her good friends, Margie Riemersma, Sherry Kass, Monica Ridout, Becky Gustafson, and John (Gail) Barnes. Janice is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Norma Petersen; a sister, Leann Petersen; and a nephew, Michael Petersen. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Janice's family present throughout to greet family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a. m. , Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Terry Chapman officiating. A private family burial will be held at the Hiteman Cemetery at a later date. A memorial has been established to the Welcome Home Soldier Monument in Albia. "Show more

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Age - 86

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"Charles "Chuck" Mason Conger, age 86, of Albia, Iowa, passed at home surrounded by his loved ones on November 1, 2023. Chuck was born to Harlan Armstrong Conger and Laura Edith (Mark) Conger on January 12, 1937, in a farmhouse near Adel, IA. He graduated from Adel High School in 1955, attended Iowa State College graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor's degree in farm operations and as a member of the ROTC. He married his high school sweetheart Doris June Huston on April 28, 1957. They moved to Lexington, NE in 1959 where he took a position as Farm Broadcaster for KRVN radio. He continued his career by returning to Iowa as the Farm Broadcaster for KBIZ/KTVO in Ottumwa. He was recognized for his skills as Iowa Farm Broadcaster of the Year. The Conger family moved to Albia in 1972 pursuing his dream of owning land and building a cow-calf operation. In 1980, he and Doris established the first liquid lawn fertilizing company in Southeast Iowa called, "Lawn Chief. " To this union were born 4 children: Randall James (Melanie), Susan Marie, Sandra June (Russell), and Jeffrey Mason (Janice). Continuing his legacy are 12 grandchildren: Meredith (Kenny), Catherine (Mark), Courtney (Daniel), Christopher, Cameron, Jessica (Jared), Michael (Emily), Amanda (Mason), Nicholas, Kaitlynn (Donny), Schylar (Colin), and Justin (Brooke) and 9 great grandchildren, Sam, Sutton, Marcus, Cyrus, Scarlett, Leah, Josephine, Wyatt, Carter; and baby girl due in the spring. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Mary and Rose Marie; a son-in-law, Mark; and a great grandson, Sawyer. Per his request, no public celebration of his life will be arranged at this time. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. The family requests that memorials be given to EveryStep Hospice of Centerville to support their valuable service. Cards of condolences can be set to the family c/o Tharp Funeral Home, 116 Benton Ave. West, Albia, IA 52531. Condolences and memories to the family may be left online at www. tharpfh. com. "Show more

Dean Miller

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Age - 81

November 10, 2023

"Dean Fred Miller, age 81, of Albia, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, IA. Dean was born on August 21, 1942, in Albia to Dexter and Nola (Pinkston) Miller. He grew up attending school in Albia and graduated from Albia High School in 1962. On August 25, 1963, he was united in marriage to Sharon Kay Ford in Newton, IA, and they were blessed with 5 children, Jeff, Shelley, Mary Beth, Robert, and Tim. Dean and Sharon shared 58 years of marriage prior to Sharon's passing on April 22, 2022. Dean was a lifelong farmer. He also worked at Vernon Company Sales and Advertising in Newton where he was a machine operator and later the warehouse manager until his retirement in 2006. Dean was a member of the Albia Baptist Temple and a member of the American Legion in Albia. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing and golfing with his brothers and sons. Dean enjoyed putting puzzles together, which he often glued and framed, as well as playing card games such as farkle, cribbage, and solitaire. Dean loved to visit with others and never knew a stranger. He was a very generous man with a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone in need. Above all else, Dean loved his family and cherished all the time spent with them, especially his grandchildren. Dean is survived by 4 children, Jeff (Loretta) Miller, Shelley (Daniel) Johnson, Robert (Tresa) Miller, and Tim (Lindsey) Miller; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Dean is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Dean is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents, Dexter and Nola Miller; a daughter, Mary Beth in infancy; and his siblings, Eugene, Minnie, Charles, James, Paul, Art, Mildred, and Kenny. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p. m. - 7:00 p. m. on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Dean's family present from 5:00 p. m. -7:00 p. m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. on Friday, October 27, 2023, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Burial will follow services at Service Chapel Cemetery in Albia. An open memorial has been established to the family. "Show more

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