Carl B. Feilmann
April 11, 2023
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Service Details
Carl B. Feilmann, 97, joined his heavenly father on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am CDT Friday April 14, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial with military honors will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa. Live-streaming of the service can be accessed via the Grace Lutheran Church website: Carl's Service
Carl Bernhard Feilmann was born to Paul and Auguste Feilmann on July 1, 1925 in Hamburg, Germany. He immigrated to America with his parents at the age of 14. Carl graduated from Mason City High School and joined the army where he became a US Citizen. During his service in WWII he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
After the war, Carl attended Iowa State University, graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering. Following college he began a life-long career at Iowa Power/Mid-American Energy. He married Vivian L. Newton on August 9, 1952 and they made their home in Des Moines where they raised their family. Carl returned to Iowa State University and earned a MS in Electrical Engineering in 1978. Carl enjoyed fishing and had more than a few fish stories from many fishing trips to Canada with friends.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Carl will be missed by his twin sons, Paul (Patricia Wojtkiewicz) Feilmann of Yutan, NE, Mark (Ann E.) Feilmann of Ankeny IA, and daughter, Ann (Robert) Merkley of Polk City IA; nine grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Vivian.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Scottish Rite Park staff, Marie – a caregiver to both Carl and Vivian for many years, the VA healthcare team, Friends Homecare and Hospice caregivers, and the Taylor House hospice staff for their assistance, kindness, and compassion in caring for Carl and the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Carl’s lifelong home of faith, and Unity Point Hospice – Taylor House. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Rich Stevens P.E.
03/05/2024
Carl was one of my favorite managers. His insight was invaluable to me. As I came back to Des Moines from Council Bluffs, Carl was a supportive boss.
I have a short story for you that might help you understand why I think so highly of Carl. I sent a note to the family last year, and had a chance to meet you all at visitation, and I thought some of that note really belonged here in the on line condolences.
In 1987, I came back to Des Moines from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to work for Carl, having been demoted from my power plant supervisory position to an engineering position. It was not a pleasant time.
There was one board member who was adamant that I experience a pay cut. It was minor pay cut - $30 a month. The cut was more to send me a message than to save money. Carl wasnt having any of it. He had already assessed my situation, and he didnt think a pay cut was the right message to send.
With a smile, Carl waved off all concerns. My salary stayed the same, and I was honored that Carl stood up for me.
The troubles passed, and I went on to work for MidAmerican for a few years more, happily. All those troubles were soon in the rearview mirror.
But I always remembered that Carl, and of course a few others, stood up for me.
I tell this story for Carl, once in a great while, at the regular meeting of MidAmerican employees on Thursday mornings at the Machine Shed. Carl is well remembered.
Rich, Christina, Anna and Corry Stevens
Reggie Trujillo
04/24/2023
Dear Feilmann Family,
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. I volunteered for the Honor Flight Program for several years, honored and humbled to meet so many special veterans from The Greatest
Generation!!! In August 2010, I had the honor to escort Carl and Vivian, meeting them at Dulles Airport early morning, ending the day back at the airport for mail call. I escorted them around DC seeing our Nations monuments and memorials to include viewing the changing of the guard at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery. One of many special moments we shared with the most wonderful and memorable being the World War II Memorial! I most enjoyed hearing Carl and Vivian share their stories about serving during WW II, personal and family stories. Their smiles beamed broadly when talking about their children and grandchildren. So, so much fun! Your Mom would often ask about our sons who serve in the Air Force and Army. She always loved to hear about the latest activities in their lives. We developed and established a special connection of friendship. I felt like one of their sons, always receiving a crisp new dollar bill in her cards. She shared so many words of wisdom and prayers in her cards. A lovely couple who will always hold a special place in my heart. You must have had wonderful and memorable lives with Carl and Vivian. I know you miss them dearly. God bless Carl and Vivian. 🙏🏼❤ Love, Reggie and Linda
Douglas L. Stephenson
04/16/2023
Somewhat suprised at hearing of his passing despite the fact that he was of age 97. Looked very good at his age. He will be very well missed. I am very proud of his accomplishment in his career. A very down to earth person and will be issed by many at Scottish Rite Park including myself.
I have utmost praise for one of his sons, Paul, who came out of his way from Nebraska to care for his father. Paul was also a very good friend of the people at Scottish Rite Park.
Doug Stephenson
Scottish Rite Park resident
Valerie Wedgeworth
04/16/2023
Carl was an absolute sweetheart and did an amazing job as a father, grandfather and great grandfather. I was honored to know him.
Scott Long
04/15/2023
What an interesting, intelligent, personable and sweet person was Mr Feilmann. He always told me to call him Carl, but Mr Feilmann is what he deserved. I am glad that he made it 97 years! Every time that I was around him, my life was enriched. Rest assured that we will meet again! Warmest regards, Scott
Ron&Lavonne Rohn
04/14/2023
You will all be in our thoughts and prayers. Carl was a very special person and I always looked up to him as a youngster. Lavonne and I also enjoyed memorable visits when your parents came to our home in Minnesota. I am dealing with Covid presently so am unable to join you in the celebration of his life today , but will hold you all in our prayers.
Jim Bull
04/14/2023
Carl was always one of my go to engineers when I needed help on technical matters at Iowa Power. He would tackle tough problems and come up with good, unique solutions. He was fun to work with.
And Carl really liked to fish. We were fishing for walleyes one night when the walleyes started biting but Carl had just had a very bad snarl in his reel. Ill never forget how frustrated he was but I think he did clear his reel in record time!
Of course Carl will be missed -I will be thinking of him whenever I get a chance to drop a line in the water - or maybe whenever I get a reel snarl.
Carl was also fun to visit with at Scottish Rite and Im sure he always greeted everyone with his big smile. Im so glad I was able to see Carl last December.
Condolences to all his family.
Mark J Richards
04/14/2023
I was very sorry to learn of the loss of your father today in the paper. Both of your parents were dear and devoted friends of my parents from Grace Lutheran Church.You have my deepest sympathy.
Shelley Bain
04/13/2023
Although he was German, Carl was a long-time member of the Scottish Heritage Society, even serving as Treasurer for a term. I always enjoyed seeing his friendly face when he entered the room amd sometimes I even received a big hug.
Carl was a kind man and so proud of his family - he will be missed..
Tom Turner
04/13/2023
Carl was a great engineer and a good man. He was very kind to me as a young pup at Iowa Power. He always did his best and was well respected by his peers. Well done Carl. Rest in peace.
Susan Kruckenberg
04/13/2023
Our sincere sympathy from The Boone Optimist Club
Dean Crist
04/12/2023
Carl was my first boss at MidAmerican (then Iowa Power). So many great memories. Great guy, great family! He will be missed.