2022 Memorials

Velda Mae Weeks (nee Hess): Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Passed away peacefully 10/14/2022 at age 88 in Prairie du Sac, WI. Previously resided near Henderson, IA, Des Moines, IA, Nevada, IA, and multiple states and countries during service as a military spouse. Velda’s spirit, humor, devotion to service, and never-ending love of family will be deeply missed.

Preceded in death by father Pearl Gail Hess, mother Vivian Blanche Hess (nee Burg), siblings Donna Cooper, Richard Hess and Shirley Lovejoy, and grandson Ben Voss. Survived by husband of 69 years James Weeks, siblings Gail Hess and Patricia Baker; children John Weeks (Sheryl), Kris Voss, Kimberly McFarlin (Robert), Brian Weeks (Mary), and David Weeks (Kim); grandchildren Sarah Bierstadt (Scott), Ian Weeks (Sue), David Weeks (Becky), Hanna Weeks, Jacob McFarlin (Ashley), Megan Kufahl (Greg), James McFarlin, Evan Weeks (Kimberli Ward), Renee Gesch (Karl), Rachel Weeks, Nathaniel Weeks, Sydney Weeks; greatgrandchildren Fiona and Lucy Bierstadt; Evelyn, John and James Weeks; Tessa and Tristan McFarlin; Mariah Kufahl; Margo and Ellen Gesch; and Velda’s deeply loved canine companion Sadie.

Velda was born August 19, 1934, in Lacona, IA, and grew up in Nevada, IA. Velda graduated from Nevada High School in 1952, where she met her best friend and the love of her life, Jim Weeks. Velda and Jim were married March 21, 1953, while Jim was attending and working at Iowa State College (now Iowa State University). Velda worked in secretarial positions at the college before becoming a full-time mother in 1954. Following graduation in 1956, Jim entered the Army Corps of Engineers, and together Velda and Jim began a 20+-year military career. Velda was very proud of her service to the United States as a military spouse, service that took the family to Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, Kansas, Ohio, Germany and India. Velda was especially proud of her work to raise five children and “hold down the family fort” during Jim’s two deployments to Vietnam. As a military spouse, Velda excelled in family support activities such as Cub Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, school room mother, volunteer for multiple military family service and support organizations, as well as orchestrating the logistics of each family move with five children and multiple pets.

Following their retirement from military service in 1976, Velda and Jim moved back to their beloved home state of Iowa, settling on a five-acre farmstead near Henderson. Over several years, Velda, Jim and family built their beautiful seven-bedroom rural home, which became the home of choice for family holidays, grandkids’ summer camps and visits to unwind and enjoy Iowa’s rural lifestyle and Velda’s wonderful cooking and baking.

While living in Iowa, Velda volunteered regularly at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs and served on the Jennie Auxiliary, the Jennie Edmundson Board of Directors, chaired the Hospital Foundation Board and the Women’s Christian Association. Velda spearheaded many projects that improved the hospital for staff, patients, and their families. Velda was an active member of P.E.O. for more than forty years, serving in multiple officer positions.

Velda loved entertaining family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, an excellent gardener and magnificent cook. Holidays with family were days-long culinary extravaganzas! Velda was also an expert quilter, knitter, seamstress and needle worker. Her beautiful creations are cherished heirlooms throughout the family.

Velda will be best remembered for her spirit, humor, work-ethic, devotion to friends, and never-ending love of family, with a very special place in her heart for her grand and great grandchildren. Velda was a devout Christian with a deep love of Jesus and clear knowledge that she would rest in Heaven and see us all again. She loved singing in church choir, and especially singing the Hallelujah Chorus at Easter.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital 933 E Pierce St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 P.E.O. Foundation 3700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50312

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Sauk Prairie Pine Villa Memory Care and Agrace Hospice.