Vera Marie Easler

Vera Marie Easler passed peacefully in the early hours of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, surrounded by her cherished family. Her passing marked the end of an earthly chapter and the beginning of a reunion with her beloved husband, Bob, who preceded her in death just one month ago in September 2024. After 68 years of marriage, their separation was brief, a testament to their deep bond.

Vera’s legacy lives on through her four children: Lynda (Steven) Boyles of Ankeny, Scott (Judy) Easler of Des Moines, Kristen (Bradley) Boyles of Woodward, and Mark (Jennifer) Easler of Clive. She was also a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, with a large extended family that included nieces, nephews, and countless “adopted children,” whose lives she nurtured with love.

Born on June 19, 1935, on her family’s farm in Cresco, Iowa, Vera was the youngest of four children of William Fredrick and Sylvia Alice (Grabau) Goetsch. She often spoke fondly of her childhood on "Golden Ridge" and embraced the values of rural life. Music came naturally to her, and she was a talented vocalist and pianist. However, it was her father who saw her natural calling as a teacher—a role she practiced even as a child by lining up her dolls to “teach” them their daily lessons.

Vera graduated from Cresco High School in 1952 and continued her studies at Iowa State Teacher’s College (now the University of Northern Iowa), earning her Elementary Education Certificate. She began her teaching career in Postville, Iowa, where she soon crossed paths with a "city boy" named Bob Easler on a blind double date—though, ironically, he wasn’t her date that evening. The two were married on June 10, 1956, at Zion Country Church in Cresco, beginning a life of love and adventure that would span nearly seven decades.

The young couple settled in Waterloo, Iowa, where Bob worked nights at Rath Packing Company while attending college during the day. Vera paused her teaching career to raise their growing family, supplementing their income through tutoring while Bob launched a television repair business from their basement.

Later, when the family moved to Des Moines and the children were all in school, Vera resumed teaching as a substitute teacher. Realizing that she needed more credentials for a permanent position, she enrolled at Drake University. She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, earning both with highest distinction, all while raising her family. Her children—now teens and young adults—were her loudest cheerleaders as she proudly walked across the stage to receive her degrees.

Teaching was more than a job to Vera; it was a calling. Her refrigerator was always covered with artwork and notes from her students, and she spent much of her income on school supplies, hats, mittens, and other essentials for her “adopted babies.”

Vera’s joy multiplied with the arrival of grandchildren. She delighted in assembling her growing family for gatherings and cherished the chaos of having as many grandkids under her roof as possible. Whether organizing family events or hosting guests, Vera never relinquished control of the details—her gatherings were legendary.

Hospitality was at the heart of the Easler home, which operated as an “open house” for family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Over the years, they hosted visitors from multiple countries through programs like Youth for Understanding, Friendship Force, and international church outreach. Their home became a second home to children from Mexico, Sweden, and Spain, along with guests from too many countries to count.

Traveling was another passion Vera and Bob shared. Their vacations, often reminiscent of the movie *National Lampoon’s Vacation*, included epic road trips in their Ford Country Squire station wagon and a 3,000-mile adventure in a Winnebago. They traveled across much of the United States, making memories at every rest stop, campsite, and fishing spot along the way.

Despite Bob's self-proclaimed “allergy to the sun,” he never complained about Vera’s love for the outdoors. She kept a garden, canned fruits and vegetables, and took pride in her beautiful rosebushes. Some of her happiest moments were spent by the water, fishing along the Upper Iowa River, Big Creek State Park, or Lake View, often with a picnic and a grandchild in tow.

In recent years, Vera became Bob’s caregiver as he faced cancer, dementia, and the challenges of aging. Even as his health declined, Vera prioritized taking him outdoors, recruiting family members to push his wheelchair and ensuring every day ended with a scoop of ice cream.

Vera Marie Easler leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and hospitality that will be carried forward by all who knew her. She taught us how to embrace life’s joys, meet challenges with determination, and find beauty in the simple things—whether in a classroom, around the family table, or at the edge of a quiet fishing hole. She led with love, and we can all be grateful for that. We will miss her dearly.

A service to celebrate Vera’s life will be held Friday November 1, 2024 at Wesley on Grand, 3520 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA. Visitation at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM with a light lunch following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311.