Michael Terance Nepereny

Michael Terance Nepereny, 84, passed away on January 5, 2025, in his Stratford, Iowa home surrounded by his beloved wife of 64 years, and his two children, Melinda and Patrick. Mike was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Louis and Mabel (Fuller) Nepereny on October 7, 1940. Mike graduated from Webster City High School in 1958 and went on to receive an AA degree from Iowa Central Community College and attended Iowa State University for a brief time while simultaneously working in the sand and gravel business, an occupation that was near and dear to his heart.
Mike's life touched many others through his work and dedication to the community and family that he so loved, including his class reunions that he greatly enjoyed. He was Stratford's city Mayor from 2001-2017, most notably guiding the community through the devastating tornado of 2005. He loved working with and for the community, always listening and learning. He was a Boy Scout leader and 4H volunteer as his children were growing, inspired by his own Boy Scout days. He was a lifelong learner, constantly reading and researching his many and varied interests from gardening to geology, Fjord horses to beekeeping, rabbits to rock collecting, and community volunteerism.
Mike met Linda Bell at the Webster City Skating Rink in 1959, becoming engaged just 2 months later. They were married in May of 1960 in the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford and purchased their home in Stratford, the same one they have lived in for 64 years. They welcomed their daughter in 1963 and their son in 1967. Mike worked for Maudlin Construction for over 20 years before joining Chuck Becker to create C & M Sand and Gravel business in 1983. He loved his time working and was an expert heavy machine operator, even continuing to do this work well after retirement. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, and was chairman of the administrative board of the Calvary United Methodist Church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Sandra Dakeman, Paulette Kuester, and Trudy Beshey; and his granddaughter in infancy, Bethany Oester.
Mike will be forever loved and remembered by his wife Linda; his children: Melinda (Tom) Oester and Patrick (Angela) Nepereny; grandchildren, Hunter and Rogan Nepereny; step-grandchildren, Tyler Raygor and Chloe (Garrett) Ament; step-great-grandson, Royce Ament; sister, Gloria (Terry) Grove; brother, Jerry Warehime; as well as dearly loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Words cannot express the families' gratitude to the staff of Treasured Hearts in Home Care, who through their kindness and care gave us an additional 7 months with him at his home with beloved family while watching the antics of his favorite cats, Jack and Jill. We also thank the Stratford Fire and Rescue team for their service.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the church. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford.
Memorials may be given to the Calvary United Methodist Church or the Hamilton County Animal Advocates.
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 515-432-4550.