LaVera Nadine Belken

LaVera Nadine Belken, 86, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2019, after a short battle with cancer. “Nadine” was born on August 4, 1932 in Des Moines to Vera Bentley Wade and Coy Edison Wade. She married the love of her life, Harold Keith Belken, on November 4, 1950 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. To this union was born George (Jan) Belken, Jeannine (Michael) McDaniel, Judith Belken and Michael Belken.

Mom had a full and happy life. She worked 10 years at Meredith Publishing, volunteered 20 years at the Pioneer Columbus Senior Center, and started the 1st seniors swim team at the YMCA. She was a precinct worker for many years, traveled extensively with Harold as well as the Friendship Force of Iowa. She lived in her home on the south side of Des Moines for over 60 years. She loved to drive her little red convertible around town right up till she went into the hospital. But most of all, she loved her family. Her final words were “Be kind and love each other. I’ve had a happy life, so now I’m going to be with the love of my life once more.”

Those left to cherish her memory include her 4 children, 5 granddaughters, 3 great grand-children, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Donald Wade and an infant sister, Jeannine Wade.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Nadine will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery. The family invites you to a luncheon following the burial at Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center, 2100 SE 5th Street.

The family suggest memorial contributions may be directed to the Harold & Nadine Memorial Scholarship at the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd. Bldg. 22, Ankeny, IA 5023 or by calling 515-964-6229.

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