Gladys Karlin

April 05, 1930 — October 01, 2024

Gladys Karlin

Service Details

Gladys Marretta Karlin (“Gigi”) reached the end of her wonderful life on October 1, 2024, at the age of 94. Gladys was born on April 5, 1930, in Fifield, Iowa to Gradus and Anna (Van Den Berg) Klein. Gladys was one of seven children, including 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Gladys graduated from Pella High School in 1948.

Gladys was united in marriage to John DeRonde in Otley, Iowa, on May 21, 1948, and to this union two children were born, including Douglas Jay and Evonne Lynn. John and Gladys farmed in the Pella vicinity until 1965. While in that area, Gladys was a school cook and also drove the bus for the Otley grade school. Gladys and John later purchased the Duncan’s Motel and Café in Monroe, Iowa, which they operated until 1971. After John’s passing in 1978, Gladys continued in the hospitality and food industries, including the Newton Motor Inn, Grandma Max’s, Ankeny Diner, and Chili’s Restaurant. Gladys’ job as hostess at Chili’s gave her great purpose and joy in delightfully greeting and seating customers, continuing up until the three weeks preceding her death.

Gladys enjoyed golfing, watching NFL football, and was an avid supporter of Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball. She faithfully watched Wheel of Fortune weekly, always racing the clock to complete the phrases. Gladys enjoyed Bible study and decorating for the seasons with her friends at Maplewood Village in Ankeny.

Gladys married E. James Karlin on March 26, 1994. Jim and Gladys enjoyed frequent trips to Arizona, bus tours throughout the country, and attending family functions together. For almost 23 years, they lived next door to daughter Evonne and her husband Rick in a connected duplex in Ankeny, cherishing their nightly wind-down chats on the deck.

Gladys was the life of the party, always a consistent presence at family gatherings. She had a penchant for class and beauty even into her final days, consistently “dressed to the nines” with her bling belts, chic accessories, and high heels. Gladys aged backwards, truly defying age and had so much life in her years.
Preceding Gladys in death were her husband, John DeRonde, parents, Gradus and Anna Klein, brothers, Willard, Wayne, Virgil and Arvin Klein, sister, Alice VanEssen and brother-in-law, Harold VanEssen, sisters-in-law, Roberta Klein and Leola Klein, and her husband, E. James Karlin.

Also known as “Gigi”, Gladys was a beloved great-great grandmother, great grandmother, grandmother, mother, wife and sister to many. Those who will remember her life include her children, Doug (Kathy) DeRonde of Knoxville, Evonne (Richard) Whalen of Ankeny and her stepson Stu (Debbie) Karlin. Grandchildren include Justin (Tracy) DeRonde, Dierdre (Mark) Goodrich, Danielle (Richard) Schaffer, Melissa (Matt) Pool, and Christopher (Allison) Pendroy. Of her original family, Gladys leaves behind her sister, Geraldine (Klein) Angove and sisters-in-law, Norma Klein and Darlene Klein. Gladys was blessed to witness four and five generations of her family, with her legacy growing to include 15 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. There are many other family members, step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and dear friends, who will fondly remember and miss her.

Services will be held at Westview Church in Waukee on October 11 at 11:00 am. Memorials can be directed to the family.

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