Monna Muehlenthaler

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Monna Arlene Muehlenthaler on October, 18, 2024, surrounded by her family at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, at the age of 93. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Ankeny Funeral Home (1510 W First Street, Ankeny, IA, 50023). Celebration of Life service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2024, at Salem United Church of Christ (320 NE 141st Ave, Alleman, IA, 50007) with a burial to follow at Lincoln Cemetery in Alleman, IA.

Monna was born on November 7, 1930 in Middlegrove, Illinois, to James and Blanche (Dykeman) Morse. She was the second youngest of 11 siblings. At just three years old, she lost her mother, and by age 11, her father had also passed away. Afterward, she was raised by her older siblings, moving between their care.

She grew up as a farm girl in Fulton County, Illinois, attending a one-room county schools. In her teenage years, she moved to Ottumwa and later to Ankeny, where she lived with her sister Marge and her brother-in-law Tom, helping them run their restaurant, Tom and Marge’s Café, at the Elkhart corner. It was while waitressing at the café that she met the love of her life, Robert Glen Muehlenthaler, and they were united in marriage on April 16, 1950 at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman, Iowa.

Monna’s life can be characterized by her spirit of service and the way she took care of the people around her. She led a full and busy life raising her four children while working as a cook in the kitchen at North Polk High School and as a waitress at Paul and Mids in Alleman. Along the way, she was an avid gardener and developed a legendary talent for sewing, creating beautiful matching dresses for her daughters that would have inspired envy among even the most fashion-conscious of the time. Eventually, she found her true calling in healthcare, obtaining her Nurse’s Surgical Aid Certificate in 1969 and working at Iowa Lutheran Hospital throughout the 1970s, where she dedicated herself to helping others. Later in life, she provided daycare in her home and, well into her late 60s, worked as a greeter at Walmart.

Monna was a fiercely independent woman who devoted all of her time and energy to her family and those that she loved. She was the type of woman who never knew a stranger. Family came first with Monna and she often spent time watching her grandchildren play sports. She also enjoyed watching sports on television and there was hardly a day that she would miss Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She also loved watching the Christian Worship Hour on Sunday mornings, when she wasn’t able to attend church. She kept her mind sharp by reading, doing crosswords, and playing card games, especially pitch with her close friends and family in her earlier years.

Monna’s character was the epitome of love and faith was the corner stone of her life. She believed deeply in the power of prayer and maintained a strong connection to her Christian faith. She took joy in writing letters and sending cards for every occasion to family and friends, ensuring they felt loved and supported. She was a generous and welcoming person, with a heart that made everyone feel at home. Her famous cream puffs were a beloved staple at family gatherings, a treat that became a symbol of her warmth and love.

Her kindness was a beacon that drew people to her, and her selflessness was felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her unwavering faith in God, her courage, and her devotion to her family stayed with her to the end. Monna was the very best parts of humanity, and will be so fondly remembered as a mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, aunt, and sister and all of the grace and affection she so effortlessly gave.

Monna is survived by her four children, Vicki (Bob) Berggren of LeGrand, Nancy (Steve) Lee of Polk City, Julie (Wes) Creason of Indianola, and Mark Muehlenthaler (Susan Seuferer) of Alleman. She was a proud grandmother of eight: Dan (Karen) Berggren, Darrin (Jess) Berggren, Valerie Lee, Ryan (Mindy) Lee, Ashley (Justin) Woosley, Jared (Jessica) Creason, Crystal Muehlenthaler (Shane Murray), and Shawna Lee. She also leaves behind twenty-one great grandchildren: Taylor (Alex) Veach, Emily, Toby, Tanner, Jake, Kate, Maddie, Jakayla, Jasani, Jackson, Tiara, Paige, Alena, Jakeobe, Rush, Clara, Cash, Titan, Garret, Zach, and Gavin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Muehlenthaler of 69 years, nine siblings, daughter-in-law, Lori Muehlenthaler, and many brother and sister in laws. She is survived by her loving sister, Donna Doubet, and two sister in laws, Rose Williams and Dorothy Howard. Monna will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be given, in Monna’s memory, to Salem United Church of Christ.