Elaine Fastenau

Ruth Elaine (Harris) Fastenau, 87, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 4, 2017, after a brief hospitalization. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Monday until service time at the church.

Elaine was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on March 26, 1930, to Paul and Doris (Petersen) Harris. She grew up in Clarinda and graduated from Clarinda High School in 1948. Elaine attended the University of Iowa and earned a bachelor’s degree with a specialization in speech therapy. She taught and provided therapy for several years in Faribault, Minnesota, Del Rio, Texas, and in central Iowa. She always enjoyed helping children overcome their speech challenges.

Elaine married Richard Fastenau on June 27, 1954, in Clarinda. They eventually made their home in central Iowa where they raised their family. Elaine was an avid antique collector, with a special interest in stoneware and pottery produced by various old manufacturers. She was active in various collector associations, and was a founding member of the Red Wing Collectors Society, as Red Wing stoneware was among her favorites. Elaine and Richard enjoyed traveling across Iowa and the Midwest in search of great finds at auctions and antique stores. After her children grew older, Elaine also enjoyed volunteer work in the greater Des Moines area, including at women’s clinics, historical society, and church. They were long-time members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and service to the faith was important to them.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Richard; parents; and her brother, Paul. She is survived by her son, David (Michelle), daughter, Marci (Mike) Wilson, and son, Joel (Jean); seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to West Des Moines Historical Society or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.