Cleva Belle Gammel

Cleva Belle Gammel, age 90, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025. She was born on December 31, 1934, in Spickard, Missouri, to Melvin and Ethel Sears.

When Cleva first came to Des Moines, she worked at Look Magazine, where she met the love of her life, Gary. The two were married on September 4, 1954, and spent over 60 years together, building a life filled with love and memories. Cleva later worked for many years at Diamond Laboratories before choosing to work part-time from home for NeoData.

Cleva loved traveling, especially to her favorite destination, Las Vegas. She spent many Sunday afternoons playing blackjack and slots at Prairie Meadows. She also enjoyed reading and baking. An animal lover at heart, Cleva had a special place in her heart for cats.

She is survived by her daughter, Genie Kmicinski, and her son, Bill (Mary) Gammel.

Cleva was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her parents, Melvin and Ethel; and her brother, Donnie Sears.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, in loving memory of Cleva Gammel.

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