Mary A. "Toni" Kuzela
December 06, 2012
Mary A. “Toni” Kuzela, 85, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Scottish Rite Park. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m., Monday, December 10, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a vigil at 6 p.m., at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.
Toni was born October 28, 1927, to Joseph and Mary (Caraccio) Maletta in Centerville, Iowa. She graduated from Centerville High School at the age of 16. Toni moved to Des Moines at age 26 to take a job with Farm Bureau Insurance. Toni always found pride in her work and that was what defined her the most. Toni worked for the Dean of Drake University, Chamberlin, Kirk, and Kline Realty and came to spend 31of her career years at the Stelter Advertising Agency. Even after her retirement, Toni went on to volunteer for different organizations, and of course, her greatest love was the last ten years when she volunteered to be the private secretary for Msgr. Frank Bognanno at Christ the King Catholic Church. Neither rain, snow, or health could keep her from showing up to her job every day. It was her true passion in her later years.
Toni was married to Lester on May 29, 1953, and they built a home and resided on the south side of Des Moines for 56 years. Two children were born to this union, Virginia Brooks of Indianapolis, Indiana and Helen Turner of Des Moines, Iowa.
Toni was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for 57 years, where she was involved in many of the organizations inside and outside of the church including the Alter and Rosary Society and St. Vincent De Paul. She also served on the Parish Council, helped organize the Christ the King Foundation, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, honorary member of the Knights of the Columbus, and the Legion Auxiliary.
Toni is survived by her brother, Richard Maletta of Longview, FL; daughters, Virginia Brooks and Helen Turner; grandchildren, Christine (Kenny) Buckley of Nashville, TN, Douglas (Brittany) Brooks of Louisville, KY, Stephanie (Adnan) Babic of Des Moines, IA, Ashley (Bryan) Bussanmas of Indianola, IA, Ross Turner (fiance-Liz) of Indianola, IA; great grandchildren, Madeline, Lillian, Miles, Rose, Trysten, Lejla, Riley, Jersey and Briella. Toni was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Christ the King Catholic Church or Scottish Rite Park in loving memory of Toni.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim Wetzel
12/11/2012
I am so sorry, Virginia, to hear about the loss of your mother. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. All those who love you will lift you up to get you through this difficult time. That's what "family" is all about.
John Maletta (Bellevue)
12/10/2012
We send our love and prayers and condolences to your family. We bless the years we knew you and cherish the family memories we will always keep with us.
Larry and Joyce schmitz
12/08/2012
What a woman in the true sense of the word. Toni and Less were not close friends of ours but they always made time and positive attention to us whenever we met. we knew then thru the K of C and St Vincent de Paul. Our sympathy to their family.
Doug/Carolyn Deake
12/08/2012
Helen
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Obviously quite a lady in reading her obit.Her faith will help you I am sure in coping with this loss. Our prayers are with you and your family,
Kathy (formerly Thompson) Fech
12/07/2012
Toni,
It was a joy working with you for 3 years at CTK and serving as your pastoral care minister during some of your health setbacks. I pray for your family at this difficult time and ask you to pray for me. You will be greatly missed. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Kelly Benson
12/07/2012
Toni was truely one of a kind. I had the great pleasure to work with her at Stelter and will always remember her fondly. My condolences to her family
Liz Puente
12/07/2012
So sorry to all of you for your loss! Your Mother and Grandmother was a beautiful women who will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her! It was a joy to take care of her and become her friend! Thank you for bringing her to us!! You are all in my prayers!!!!
Linda Dolan
12/07/2012
Truly Angels will greet her in paradise! God bless the entire family; you are in my prayers.
Sherri Glaser
12/07/2012
Virginia,
You and your family are in my prayers.