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Wendell E. Miskimins
Altoona
Wendell Elmer Miskimins, 84, son of Frank and Zeola Miskimins of Seymour, Iowa passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Wendell was born March 29, 1929, joining his three older brothers; Harold, Close and Rex.
Preceding him in death are his parents, the love of his life his wife Esther, brothers Harold and Close, and his oldest son Frank.
His family will greet friends beginning at 9 a.m., Monday, Merle Hay Funeral Home at 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines with a memorial service to follow at 11:00.
Wendell graduated from Promise City High School in 1947. Wendell began teaching at the age of 19 in Wayne County while attending Northeast Missouri State during the summers to obtain teacher certification. He taught math, science and also coached Jr. High athletics.
In 1952 Wendell married Esther Schleisman. They were married for 59 years, until her death in December, 2011. Also in the spring of 1952, Wendell and Esther purchased the Palmer Drug Sundries in Palmer, Iowa. Wendell managed the store and also continued his education at Buena Vista College where he earned his Bachelor's in Education in 1955. Later in 1955, they sold the Drug Store and returned to teaching in Pomeroy, Iowa.
In 1957, Wendell and Esther moved to Des Moines where Wendell continued his education at Drake University and taught at Woodside. He joined the staff of the Des Moines School District in 1958. He taught at Weeks and then moved to North High School in 1959. At North he became the athletic director, concessions manager and work study coordinator. While teaching, Wendell continued his education earning his Masters Degree in 1966. In 1967, Wendell started his administrative duties as Vice Principal of the then new Hoover High School. In May of 1973, he was appointed Principal of McCombs Middle School. In 1981, Wendell accepted a new challenge as Principal of Weeks Junior High. In 1994, he retired from Weeks and the Des Moines School District after 36 years of service. After retirement he continued his love of children and drove a school bus for Southeast Polk School District for 10 years.
Wendell's achievements are long and many. He was always busy and never met a stranger. A few of his achievements include: Promise City Alumni Association Chair, Administrator of the year, presented key to City of Des Moines, Exalted Ruler of the Des Moines Elks Lodge, Elk of the year, Chairman of the Southeast Polk Water District, served on the board of St. Vincent DePaul and St. Ambrose Cathedral where he became a Lector, read weekly and also served communion.
Wendell loved the outdoors as a farm boy growing up in Southern Iowa. In 1976, he was able to move outside of Des Moines, buy some farm land and build a new home. He was quite a collector and managed to fill up the home and a few large buildings with "his finds". Wendell also loved to garden and had one of the biggest and best in Polk County. He also enjoyed traveling and playing cards with his friends. Wendell and Esther also enjoyed eating dinner at various spots throughout Iowa. From the Amanas, to Derby, to Enterprise, Iowa. No place was too big or small, they loved them all.
Wendell will be missed by his family, daughter Mary (Steven) Peterson, son Michael (Deedra) Miskimins; daughter in law Joni Miskimins; his grandchildren: Joshua (Jacqueline) Miskimins, Jessica (Lucas) Millage, Amanda Bell, Ashley Miskimins, Michael Bell and Andrea Miskimins; his great grandchildren, Ryann Millage and Frankie Miskimins; his brother, Rex Miskimins and sister in law, Bernadine Simons.
Memorial contributions in his memory may be given to the family and designated to the Alzheimer's Association or the Animal Rescue League.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Denny Brauer
October 14, 2014
Wendell was the best principal as he was so eager to support teachers and kids. He was so generous. He was a great facility director and fund raiser. His efforts were always for the betterment of the educational environment of teaching and learning. Wendell loved to entertain his staff and made a great effort to make social gatherings special. We all remember the trips to Derby. He will be greatly missed.
Barb Mullahey
December 11, 2013
Without Wendell's discipline and guidance I would have never graduated at least on time
November 11, 2013
I, along with so many of my classmates, thought the world of Mr. Miskimins. He helped many of us find our way and work through problems. He was a great guy and a good friend.
Jeff Matchell
November 10, 2013
Mr. Miskimins was helper taught me by kindness how to wait on kids coming to the nice concession stand inside North High School of DM. He was not a teacher of mine in North, but could tell he was very respected by the "kids" who did have him and all those in the halls. His tall presence was very known. I just know he is continuing his love of his family and continuing his love of teaching children. Thank you for your life in mine. Linda Rogers '62.
Linda Rogers
November 5, 2013
Wendell was a great man ! He cmae in to my life when I attended Hoover in 1970 and helped me to stay in school and go to college with his words of wisdom. I will remember him in my prayers.
Denny Brauer
November 5, 2013
I was blessed to have known this man. I am so sorry about his passing. Mary Kay you are one in a million :)
LISA
October 21, 2013
One fine man who had a huge influence on my life. Without his guidance I would have never made it through High School
October 21, 2013
Wendell used to attend Senior meals in Altoona. Everyone liked him.
charles van ginkel
October 20, 2013
Mary and Mike I was so sorry to hear about your dad and also of Franks recent passing. Your mom and dad and my parents had a lot of good times together. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you
Pat (Meppen) Tempel
October 20, 2013
Mr. Miskimins was a teacher who made a difference in my life. When I saw the obituary for his son Frank recently, I wanted to send him a note of sympathy but did not know where he was living. I graduated from Manson High School and remember him when he was dating Esther. Such a beautiful couple they were! I will include his name in my next donation to Alzheimer's Association.
Marjorie (Gray) Nelson
October 19, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Miskimin family. Wish we knew your dad, He sounds like a great guy and touched many lives. You were blessed.
Joe aand Lori Ray
October 19, 2013
I would like to extend my sympathy to all the family. I was fortunate to know Coach Miskimins/Wendell/Mr. Miskimins from Manson, to Palmer, and to Hoover where I joined him when we opened that wonderful new school. He did so much for so many.
October 19, 2013
Mike & Mary and all of Wendell's family - So sorry to hear about your father so soon after Frank passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dick, Sandy and Randy Frakes
October 19, 2013
I GRADUATED FROM NORTH HIGH IN 1966. MR. MISKIMINS WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR ANY OF US WHO WORKED IN THE CONCESSION STAND!
GREAT TEACHER, GREAT MAN!
GARY CLAYTON
October 19, 2013
Rest in peace. Great man.
Dave Stokka
October 19, 2013
Amanda, so very sorry for the loss of your grandpa and your uncle. You and your family will be in my prayers!
Amber Troyer
October 18, 2013
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