Laura Ann Wharff
January 13, 2010
A mass of Christian Burial for Laura Ann Wharff will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2010 at SS. John & Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Ave. S. in Altoona followed by burial at the Altoona Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 N.W. 60th Ave. in Des Moines.
Laura was born June 18, 1958 in Des Moines to Nello and Genevieve Stefani. She was a very strong, intelligent, independent and self sufficient woman. Laura loved spending time with her grandkids, being outdoors and reading. Laura’s life was her son Brad; she especially enjoyed watching him participating in sports.
Left to cherish her memory is her beloved son, Brad (Tina) Wharff; grandchildren, Desmond, Kaysey and Ali; parents, Nello and Genevieve “Jenny” Stefani; siblings, Steph (Ed) Green, Dave (DeAnna) Stefani, Bob (Sheila) Stefani, Patty (Mike) Richardson, John (Diane) Stefani and Doug (Chrissy) Stefani; mother-in-law, Rita Holmes; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Stephen Craig Stefani.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Catherine (Shelton) Schroeder
01/27/2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Words can not express the sadness I feel for you all. I continue to pray for your family in your hour of need.
I remember Laura at Woodside Jr High and all throughout our high school years. She was always a caring and loving person. God speed his love to you.
('76)
Kim Rouse
01/25/2010
To all who loved Laura,
I am truly sorry for your loss. May God guide you all thru such a difficult time. A classemate of 1976
Cheryl Moon
01/24/2010
Nello and Jenny,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you.
D-Valentines
01/21/2010
Brad...thinking of you!Lord can you stop the rain,and bless this family!All our prayers are with you Brad and family!Very sorry Bro!
Donna Bauer
01/20/2010
I am truly sorry for this tragic loss.
I lift you up in prayer with the hope you may know the Lords Power and Healing love surrounds you ALL.
Classmate of "76.
Donna M. Bauer
01/19/2010
I am so... sorry for this tragic loss.
I hope the Love & Peace of the Lord surround you all now and the days to come.
May you feel the lifting of the prayers and thoughts that are being sent up for you all!
Rose Stefani Ehrecke
01/18/2010
Nello & Jenny -
Words cannot begin to express my heartfelt sympathy to you and all of your family over the loss of Laura. We were blessed to have her in our lives. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. You are all very dear cousins to me and I only wish I was not so far away so I could be there to offer my support.
WIth love, Rose Stefani Ehrecke, Chris Ehrecke & Nicole
David Stark
01/18/2010
Laura had an uncanny knack of knowing how to do things, respect people and get the job done. She was a delight to work with and always did what she was asked to do. There never was a time that she didn't do any of the jobs in the clinic, the group or the practice when asked. She was willing to answer the phone (many occasions) and also co-lead a 50 provider group during a transition period.
To say she will be sorely missed is quite the understatement. There is no question she won't be forgotten.
David
Judy Town
01/17/2010
Dear Brad and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your parents deaths. This has to be a very stressful and sad time for you and your family. I just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and you're in my prayers. I pray that God will give you comfort and rest in the fact that he loves you and will help you throught this tragic time. If there is anything that I or my family can do to help you or your family, please call one of us to lend some support or help for whatever you need. I have fond memories of the times you and Brian were together along with other friends. I know your friends are going to be supportive during this time. Take care. Judy Town
Sandy Mally Holmes
01/17/2010
Laura and I met in kindergarten and were good friends throughout our school days at Norwoodville, Woodside and then Saydel. I am shocked and saddened to learn of this tragic loss. I have very fond memories of our elementary days -- her braids and braces (and headgear!), playing for hours on the "monkey bars" at Norwoodville, riding the bus back and forth to Lennox during 4th and 5th grade, playing french horn with her at Woodside, slumber parties, eating spaghetti at the Stefani house -- and just plain growing up together. I will never forget her happiness and the joy in her eyes the first time I met and held Brad. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Deb Crawford
01/17/2010
To Laura's Family
I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to know and work with Laura. She was a great manager and a very good friend. She always brightened my day with her humor that made me laugh and smile every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She has touched many hearts throughout her life with us and she will truly be missed, but never forgotten.
Jeanette Roam
01/16/2010
I had the opportunity to work with Laura for the last few years at Partners In Health Administration. I always knew when I had to call her on the phone we would end up laughing about something. I loved her sense of humor. She would always ask me if she was going to be fired and if she needed to pack up her box! Of course, that was far from the truth because she did an awesome job! She was an incredible person and you always noticed if she wasn't at a meeting because you missed her witty comments. She truly will be missed! Prayers are with all that knew her to help you deal with the void we all feel. Prayers are especially with the family!!
Sarah Hansen
01/16/2010
To the family of Laura Wharff
I started working for Laura at the age of 18. Laura was an amazing women and the best manager ever. She watched me grow up and was always there for me. She loved to use sarcastic humor and could always put a smile on my face. I considered her as my second mom and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Shellee Faux
01/16/2010
To Laura's family: Laura was a very good friend and a co-worker. I will miss her very much. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you and with all others that will miss her. She was fun, an inspiration, and just a wonderful person. She will never be forgotten.
Megan Gist
01/16/2010
To the family Of Laura Wharff- I send my heart felt thoughts and prayers. I worked with Laura and she was the best boss that one could ask for. she was always there in time of need. She always kept us laughing even when we thought we could not. She was admired and respected by everyone. I will miss her greatly as will many others.