Wilma (Van Roekel) Powell, 77, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2022. A celebration of life gathering will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. A private burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.
Wilma was born November 2, 1944, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Elizabeth Quarton and William Van Roekel. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1962. After High School, she moved to Des Moines to study court reporting at AIB, but was quickly swept off her feet and on June 5, 1963, she married the love of her life, Richard. They spent 39 wonderful years together and had one daughter, Suzanne and one son, Rick. Wilma dedicated her life to raising her children.
Wilma was an active JC member, the brains behind Richard's shoe store and worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield until her retirement in 2008. She was an avid cat-lover and had the largest collection of cat figurines you’ve ever seen. Wilma enjoyed keeping up with her family and friends by enjoying photos on Facebook and frequent visits from Rick. She looked forward to family gatherings where she could spend time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wilma is survived by her children, Suzanne and Rick (Sheryl); grandchildren, Austin, Dallas, Brandon, Lucy, and Evie; and great grandchildren, DeAnna, Tyler, Lilly, Noah and Elena.
Memorial contributions can be directed to the American Diabetes Association.