Des Moines
Wally Brotherson, 87, passed away on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at the VA Hospital in Des Moines. He was born May 26, 1931 in Guthrie Center, IA to Lloyd and Naomi (Rodenbaugh) Brotherson. Wally graduated from Casey High School and then enlisted into the Navy. He served as a Petty Officer, Second Class, on the carrier ship U.S.S. Leyte during the Korean War. Wally married Dorothea “Dort” Carr on October 16, 1970 and they were married for 44 years until her passing in 2015. He was an active member of Oakwood United Methodist Church in Pleasant Hill, Elks Lodge in Pleasant Hill, a retired sheet metal worker and proud member of Local 45.
Wally was a product of the Great Depression and worked hard all of his life to achieve the
American Dream. Dort and Wally traveled to all 50 states and seven countries. He had high expectations for himself and had a strong work ethic. Wally had a servant’s heart that would help anyone whenever they needed him and he could fix anything! He loved to tell stories and was always ready to share a joke. Wally gave nicknames to many of his family that are still used today.
Wally is survived by his five children, Vicki (Mike) Zelenovich, Diane (Jim) Dawson, Kevin (Diane) Carr, Dave (Dianne) Brotherson and Danelle (Terry) Taylor; thirteen grandchildren, Brad (Emily) Zelenovich, Stacey (Matt) Thompson, Jeff (Nikki) Zelenovich, Kelly Looker, James (Emily) Dawson, Angie Dawson, Lindsey (Chad) Hay, Jenny Carr, Beth (Josh) Mills, Alex (Stacia) Taylor, Katie Taylor, Ben (Jen) Brotherson, and Megan (Mike) Stange; and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dort; biological parents; foster parents, Johnnie and Bessie Maas; sister, Marjorie Fausch; and brother, John Brotherson.
Our family invites Wally’s friends to join us Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 3 to 6 p.m. for a Celebration of Life at the Copper Creek Clubhouse, 4825 Copper Creek Drive, Pleasant Hill. A toast in Wally’s honor will begin at 3:15 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Wally & Dort Brotherson Memorial Fund at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th Street, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327.
