Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1934
DIED
2011
FUNERAL HOME
Carla Van Cleve Obituary
Urbandale
Carla Van Cleve, 76, passed away on March 28, 2011. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 1 at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel.
Carla was born on July 21, 1934 to Carl and Louise Courter in Des Moines, Iowa. Carla attended North High School and lived in Des Moines her entire life. She owned and operated Van Cleve Dance Studio in Beaverdale for over 50 years. Carla inspired many dancers to dance big and with all their heart.
She will be missed by her children, Jeff (Rhonda) Van Cleve of Des Moines, Vicki Van Cleve of Urbandale, and Jon Van Cleve of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren; a great grandson; sister, Bette Baty; many nieces, nephews, dancing friends and her best lifelong girlfriend, Josie Douglas of Urbandale. Carla is preceded in death by her husband, James Van Cleve; brother, Larry Courter; and longtime companion, Jerry Williamson.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31 at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel.
Many would say, "We wouldn't be the dancers we are today without Carla!"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carla Van Cleve
Linda Blakely
April 8, 2011
Vicky,
I just learned of your mother's passing. My deepest condolences for your loss.
She was an inspiration to so many bringing the joy of dance into the souls and hearts of thousands.
She will be missed.
Jan Epperson
April 2, 2011
Vicky my condolences to you and your Family. I have so many
fond memories of our danceing years with you and Miss Carla.
She always lit up the room with her smile and vibrant personality.
She will be truely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you
and your Family during this difficult time.
April 2, 2011
Vicki,
I wanted to pass on my condolences to you and your family. You and your mom were a big part of my dance career. I went on to own my studio 4yrs ago and were are still in operation.
Your mom was a wonderful dance teacher and person. Thanks for the memeories. My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Lori Bonanno-Wyble
Troy ,Missouri
Frank DeBartolo
April 1, 2011
Vicki,
I wanted to pass on my condolences. You and your mom were (and still are) a big part of the DeBartolo's.
We unexpectedly lost our mom a couple of years ago and I can relate to your loss and pain. I will keep you, your mom, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. I believe your mom and my mom are enjoying eternal life in heaven and sharing old times.
Take care and know there are a lot of people out there thinking about you and your family.
Frank DeBartolo
Frank DeBartolo
April 1, 2011
Vicki,
I wanted to pass on my condolences. You and your mom were (and still are) a big part of the DeBartolo's.
We unexpectedly lost our mom a couple of years ago and I can relate to your loss and pain. I will keep you, your mom, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers. I believe your mom and my mom are enjoying eternal life in heaven and sharing old times.
Take care and know there are a lot of people out there thinking about you and your family.
Frank DeBartolo
Heather Silcott
April 1, 2011
These women shared the best 8 years of my childhood with me ! Thinking & wishing I was still involved in dance always puts a smile on my face ! Which I have the Van Cleve Family to think For , thoughts & Prayers are with you all ! P.S. Wishing you still had southside location
Laurie Krantz Schmidt
March 31, 2011
Miss Carla (Vicky too) was a big and very important part of my life age 4-18. She created a dancing heart in me. She was a wonderful woman.
Erin McCauley
March 31, 2011
I have so many wonderful memories of Carla, Vicki and the studio in Beaverdale. Please know the joy and fun dancing brought to my life while growing up. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa (Loehr) Algreen
March 31, 2011
Miss Carla thought me dance for over 12 years until I graduated high school in 1981. I remember all of her solo dances, especially “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road” I love the song to this day!! Carla loved her job and it showed!! Many sympathies to Vicki and the whole family.
Carrie Dingman
March 31, 2011
Vicky, our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Robert & Carrie Dingman
Barb Driscoll
March 31, 2011
Our deepest sympathies Vicki, John and Jeff! Carla was a wonderful teacher and person ~ she will be greatly missed by many. Bobbie & Sally shared many fun stories about her with us as we were growing up. Take Care ~ Tom, Barbie (Foreman) and Tad Driscoll
Nicole Townsdin
March 30, 2011
Thinking of you Vicky.... Your mom was an amazing lady!!
March 30, 2011
Carla will hold a special place in my heart as will Miss Vicki. She is a wonderful lady. Dance holds a special place and taught me a great deal. You will be greatly missed!!
Tisha (DenHartog) Scovel
March 30, 2011
Carla was a kind and caring mentor for members of the North High KRNT synchronized swim team. I spent many "wet" hours with her in the small old North pool with her learning synchro techniques as well as profiting from her gracious ways. Gail Annable Froyen (Cedar Falls, IA)
Tara Chiovaro
March 30, 2011
Carla was such a great role model. It wasn't just about the dance. It was about being a lady (or a man). It was respect for yourself and those you danced with. Not enough Carla's in this world and now one less. You will be missed!
Claradell Shedd
March 30, 2011
The halls of North High are diminished with Carla's passing. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends.
Claradell Shedd, Class of 1953
Carla's 1952 class page:
http://ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1952(2007.55).html
Sherry Jones
March 30, 2011
Miss Carla was an amazing teacher who was full of enthusiasm, encouragement and love of dance. I'm sure she danced her way through the pearly gates as everyone stood in fifth position waiting for her.
Many sympathies to Miss Vicki and the family.
Wendee Molano
March 30, 2011
To my dear Miss Carla, my life would not have been the same, had I not spent so many hours in your dance studio all those years ago.
You inspired me and all of your dancers not only to dance big, but to dream big. And you did that with lots of love and your enormous heart.
I am so thankful to have known you and I'm thankful for the legacy you leave behind.
We will miss you!
Lots of love and peace,
Wendee Garton-Molano and Sophie
March 30, 2011
Thinking of you Vicki during this difficult time. Many prayers & good thoughts.
Danielle, Marc & Jordan McKechnie
Phyllis Briley
March 30, 2011
To the family of Carla - I am sorry to hear of the passing of you mother and friend. We knew her through the dance studio in Beaverdale and mutual friends.
Respectfully, Phyllis (Mackin) Briley
March 30, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with your family at their time of need. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Linda Witter
Christi Lang
Jill Crees
March 29, 2011
With a heavy heart, you will be missed by so many whose lives you have touched. Your legacy lives on in our children who will continue the love of dance in your spirit.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Carla Van Cleve's name
Memorial Events
for Carla Van Cleve
How to support Carla's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carla Van Cleve's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
