Mardel Reveda Simpson of Davenport, IA died peacefully at the Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton, IA on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Mardel was born on Palm Sunday, March 20, 1932 in Bettendorf, IA to Elmer and Mabel Keiser. Mardel graduated from Davenport Central High School in 1950 and worked at Alcoa, where she even won a marksmanship contest!
Mardel met Jack, the love of her life, on a blind date set through a mutual friend who was also dating a member of the Air Force. Before marriage Jack and Mardel were able to visit Times Square on New Year’s Eve, Jones Beach, and the Today Show. Mardel and Jack married on May 26, 1956 and had a wonderful 64 year marriage before Jack passed away in 2020. Mardel and Jack shared a deep Christian faith and an unconditional love of family and friends. Mardel was a member of the First Baptist Church of Davenport, IA for 66 years. She helped with the Vista committee, Sunday School classes and many other areas of service.
Mardel’s life centered on her family. She was the best mom ever. She led her children by example with quiet grace, persistence and prayer. She is survived by sons David (Laura) Naperville, Il; Dan (Judy) New Braunfels, TX; daughters Karen (Randy deceased) Lafrenz ,Tipton, IA and Joleen (Warren) Kragt, Ritzville, WA. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Mardel was always there for her family. Always gracious, always giving, and always there with a kind word and cookies to-go prior to any trip, a kleenex for your pocket and a wet washcloth always ready for kid cleanup on a trip to Niabi Zoo.
Mardel was proceeded in death by her mother, Mabel Keiser, father, Elmer Keiser, older brother Kenneth ( LaRue), sister Arlene, (Gene) Smith,and twin brother Marvin.
Mom, we will miss you so much but we are so happy that you are reunited with dad.
Visitation is Saturday, November 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Davenport, IA. Services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church 1401 N Perry Street, Davenport, IA 52803.
