Patricia Byers Wallerstedt

Patricia “Pat” Louise (Byers) Wallerstedt, 84, of Des Moines, IA, left this life and entered heaven to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 20, 2011, at Calvin Community, after complications of a stroke. A double memorial service will be held at First Federated Church on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at 10:00 am, for Pat and her daughter, Kathy Jane Wallerstedt, who also met her Lord on May 9, 2011, after suffering a stroke. After a light lunch, family and friends will meet at McLaren’s Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines for Pat’s burial, and then will travel to Union Cemetery in Boxholm, IA, for Kathy’s burial. Visitation for both Pat and Kathy will be on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA.

Pat was born to William McKinley “Mac” Byers and Gabrielle “Gabe” (Geyer) Byers on February 6, 1927, in Des Moines, IA. She grew up on the hill called “Ferncliffe” in north Des Moines, now called Skyline Drive, frequently sharing those fond childhood memories throughout her life. She graduated from Johnston High School and after attending and working at Iowa State University, worked at Standard Oil, Younkers, and Bankers Life (now Principal Financial). In 1947 she met W. Kenneth “Ken” Wallerstedt on a blind date and they married in 1948. She then became a stay-at-home mom to 4 children – Steve, Karen, Karla, and Kathy. After her children were out of school she worked at Acme Employment Agency, with One Mission Society (OMS) & Bob and Lois Taber, and for nearly 25 years worked for her son-in-law and daughter, Rex and Karen Voegtlin, retiring in 2005.

Pat was artistic in sketching people and landscapes (especially of Rocky Mtn. Nat’l Park – honeymoon destination and lifelong favorite vacation spot), enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and reading. A lifelong member at First Federated Church, she became a Christ-follower in her young Sunday School days. For almost 60 years she took detailed notes at every sermon and her Bible is overflowing with underlining. She taught Sunday School and VBS, was very active in the Women’s Association, and was especially involved with the Missions Department, her family supporting many friends on the mission field. For 8 years she and Ken opened their home to JaeKi Kwak, interpreter for Pat’s brother in the Korean War, who came to the United States after the war to attend seminary. She and Ken were also active with the Des Moines Christian School, especially in the formative years, with all 4 children attending. In retirement she and her husband were active with Gideons International. They also traveled around the United States visiting family, friends and missionaries, and researching for their genealogical records. She was involved with the Johnston Historical Society, Des Moines Genealogical Library, and was a member of the Scandinavian Club.

Pat’s family and many friends will forever remember her “behind-the-scenes” gifts of mercy and service, joyful heart, thoughtful ways, beautiful smile, laughing eyes and spirit, and love for her Lord. She tirelessly encouraged her husband and children in loving ways. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Proverbs 31:28 – “Her children arise and call her blessed; and her husband praises her.”

Pat is survived by her husband, Ken Wallerstedt of Des Moines, IA; one son, Steve (Sherrie) Wallerstedt of Des Moines, IA; two daughters, Karen (Rex) Voegtlin of Earlham, IA, and Karla (Jeff) Taber of Windom, MN; one grandson, Josh (Jessica) Taber of Colorado Springs, CO; and four granddaughters, Bethany (Dave) Stillwell of San Antonio, TX, Sarah, Rachel, and Jessah Taber, all of Windom, MN; and one great-granddaughter, Rebekah Stillwell, of San Antonio, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, William McKinley “Mac” Byers and Gabrielle “Gabe” (Geyer) Byers, by her sister, Alice Jean (Byers) Brockett, by her brother, William Edmund Byers, by her daughter, Kathy Jane Wallerstedt, and by her granddaughter, Christina Monique Ryd Wallerstedt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Federated Church/Missions Dept., or Gideons International.

Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print