Marsha K. Whiteaker

Marsha Kay Whiteaker, 72, passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.

Marsha was born October 20, 1943 in Mapleton, IA to Harold and Viola (Marsh) Hauschildt. She was a warm, giving person who lived life to its fullest. She was known everywhere she went and was a fixture at the Iowa State Fair and at Barnstormers games. People affectionately knew her as the “Dancing Granny”. She had a larger than life personality that drew people in. Anyone she met as a stranger quickly became a friend. She was a selfless person, volunteering many hours to people who were housebound, assisting with their care. She loved going to Prairie Meadows and the Senior Center and was known by everyone there. She was a post commander of the Van Meter American Legion Post 403. Marsha enjoyed dancing and playing instruments; she could play any instrument she picked up. Above all, her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.

Marsha is survived by her children, Shelly Madewell (Robert), David Whiteaker (Megan), Roxanne Arroyo (Raul), and Mindy Whiteaker; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Don Hauschildt (Mary), Randy Hauschildt (Karen), Marilyn Dollar (Carl), Sharon Hauschildt, and Julie Coffman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Royce (Barb) Hauschildt, Wayne Hauschildt, Everett (Kathy) Hauschildt, and Janet (Don) Kamm.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2015, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 2, also at Hamilton’s, followed by coffee and fellowship. Procession will follow to Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA, where a graveside committal service will take place at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post 403, Van Meter, Iowa.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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