Louise M. (Nechville) Stainbrook

Louise Stainbrook, 97, passed away February 8, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Ann Beyer of Pinckney, Michigan. Visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. The memorial service will be held Saturday, March 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Iowa, with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service.

Louise was born April 13, 1918 to Joseph and Mary (Salasek) Nechville and grew up on their farm outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduating from Washington High School, she attended Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), receiving a rural teaching certificate. Louise taught for two years in rural schools in Linn County, Iowa.

On June 22, 1941 Louise married Gordon Stainbrook in Yuma, Arizona. The couple made their first home in El Segundo, California, moving back to the family mill farm near Hazelton, Iowa in 1944. The family moved to Bussey, Iowa in 1949 and then to West Des Moines in 1951. Louise taught kindergarten and special education for the West Des Moines School system for 26 years, retiring in 1980. Known affectionately as “Grandma Louise,” she continued to volunteer, helping teachers and reading to kindergarten classes, one day a week, for another 25 years.

Louise’s time and priorities always reflected her love of her family, her friends, youth of all ages, and her faith. Louise treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Always busy, Louise enjoyed being with and helping friends, sewing, knitting, quilting, baking, gardening, and playing games. She was a very active member of her Church, using her crafting talents to support a variety of church and community outreach programs. A do-it-yourself couple, Louise and Gordon often collaborated in the workshop on building, fixing, and refinishing furniture for friends and family.

Louise is survived by her children, Michael (Ludmilla) Stainbrook of Hughesville, MD, Susan Stainbrook of West Des Moines, IA, David (Vicki) Stainbrook of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Maureen (Richard) Krutzfeld of Lowden, IA, and Ann Beyer of Pinckney, MI; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a niece, Karen (Tony) Zacek of Solon, IA; and family friend, Mel Shipman of Manchester, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gordon; her parents, four sisters, one brother, son-in-law, Paul Beyer; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Burchett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Des Moines United Methodist Church Endowment Fund or St. Judes Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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