Nancy Lee Dieleman
April 23, 2020
Nancy Lee (Sanders) Dieleman, 70, passed away at home on April 23, 2020 of metastatic breast cancer. Nancy was born October 29, 1949 to Edward and Emma (Prothero) Sanders. One of three daughters, she grew up on the family’s farm near Barnes City, Iowa. She met her future husband, Bruce Dieleman, while attending grade school in Montezuma, Iowa. They graduated from Montezuma Community School in 1967. Nancy was a gifted vocalist. She performed throughout college and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College with a B.A. degree in Music Education. Bruce and Nancy were married June 12, 1971 at the First Presbyterian Church in Montezuma. She worked for the Des Moines Register in the advertising department until the birth of their only daughter. For several years they lived in Naperville, Illinois before returning to Iowa and settling in West Des Moines. Nancy obtained additional teaching certification from Simpson College and then taught in the West Des Moines Community Schools for 20 years. She taught Title 1 math, reading, and second grade classes at Rex Mathes Elementary and Hillside Elementary Schools. She enriched the curriculum in creative ways and mentored many new teachers. After retiring, she continued to volunteer at Hillside Elementary, assisting students with reading and math.
Nancy was a particularly dedicated and inspired teacher. She cultivated a love of music, art, books, and learning with her daughter, her grandchildren, and countless students. She enjoyed visiting museums and gardens and was a longtime patron of the Des Moines Performing Arts. She was known for hosting beautifully decorated events and family celebrations. In retirement she researched and scrapbooked many volumes of family history.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bruce of West Des Moines, IA; daughter, Leticia (Jason) Montegna; and grandchildren, Grant and Elena of Roswell, GA; sisters, Mary Ann Snyder of Iowa City, IA and Linda (Gail) Dieleman of Plymouth, MN; brother-in-law, Randy (Susan) Dieleman of Pella, IA; and several adored nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother-in-law, George D. Snyder.
There will be a private graveside service at the Barnes City Cemetery in Barnes City, IA. Memorial contributions can be directed to WDM Community Schools Foundation - Hillside Hot Lunch Program. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Karen Beer
04/26/2020
Bruce and Leticia,
I have so many fond memories of Nancy when she and I taught 2nd grade together at Rex Mathes! She was the hardest worker Ive known and her students benefitted on a daily basis! I will always envision her with Bruce walking the sidewalks of the Western Hills neighborhood hand in hand!
Rick Bryan
04/25/2020
Bruce, you and your family have our sincere sympathies. I was saddened to learn of Nancy's passing.
Orlo DeBruin
04/25/2020
We were so sorry to hear of Nancys passing. She had a long battle but seemed enjoy life to the fullest. She had a great family for support and her faith to carry her through sending love and prayers
Jamie Brooks (Woods Flynn)
04/25/2020
Bruce and Leticia,
How very sorry I am to hear of Nancy's passing. I have such wonderful memories of OM with Nancy and Bruce at SUCH an impressionable time in my life. My condolences to you and your family.
Joy Prothero
04/24/2020
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nancy was always so thoughtful and I enjoyed her notes and emails. I will treasure all the memories we had as kids growing up. Joy Prothero and family
Suzanne
04/24/2020
Im truly sorry for your great loss. Nancy was a true lady, teacher, and friend. I will cherish our memories teaching together.
Linda Lemke
04/24/2020
I felt it to be a privilege to work with such a talented & dedicated teacher and grateful to know her as a friend. To know such a strong & courageous person is an inspiration. She will be so greatly missed but always fondly remembered.
Judy Snyder
04/24/2020
I have never met a more dedicated teacher than Nancy. She was loyal to her students, staff, and community. I benefited in many ways from her generosity. I am so sorry the world has lost Nancy!
Kim Sanders Reininga
04/24/2020
Bruce, and Leticia, I am so sad to hear about the passing of Nancy. What a beautiful person and beautiful soul. I loved teaching at Rex Mathes with her. Nancy was truly one of the kindest, most gentle people I have had the pleasure to know. I am sending my prayers and thoughts of peace to you.
MARTHA WILSON
04/24/2020
Bruce and Leticia, I am so saddened to learn about Nancy. She was an amazing woman and her legacy lives on in so many of the students she taught and the teachers she worked with. You have a very special angel to watch over you. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
xox Martha and Jim Wilson