Lora Jane Meline

Lora Jane Meline, 78, of Peoria, Arizona-formerly Urbandale, Iowa-passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Born April 13, 1947, in Newton, Iowa to Wilfred and Dorothy Guthrie, she grew up on the family farm, loved books, attended a one room schoolhouse in her early years and then finished Newton High School as their senior queen in 1965. She then went on to Methodist Nursing School to become a nurse. In 1968, she married Robert Bergman where they ventured off to Canada and Alaska for his career. In Alaska, Bob perished in a plane crash while working. They had a son Dan and were pregnant with daughter Lora at the time. Jane, Dan and Lora left Alaska and headed back to Des Moines to be closer to family. Through wonderful friends and family, she met Aaron Meline and they wed in 1979. They then had a son Aaron Jr and the family was complete.

She continued to work as a nurse until her retirement, where she was beloved by her patients.

Jane loved attending bible studies, led a grief support group and loved volunteering after retiring.

Jane and Aaron, Sr. eagerly attended all their children and grandchildren’s activities (even bribing $1 for touchdowns or goals).

Jane loved books, antiques, taking long walks, and adored her kids and grandchildren. She poured her heart into all of them, and many traditions were made and will be fondly remembered.

Jane had unwavering faith and if she met you, she would pray for you.

Jane‘s life was a testament to resilience, love, and faith. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, prayer, and family - forever carried in the hearts of those she loves so deeply.

Survived by husband, Aaron; children, Dan Bergman (Lisa), Lora Knapp (William), and Aaron Meline Jr. (Becky); ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers, John and David Guthrie; sisters, Junella Ann Heard, Beth Moon and Amy Glarner; and stepmother Illa Guthrie.

She was preceded in death by husband Robert Bergman and parents Wilfred and Dorothy Guthrie.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA on Friday, November 14, 2025 with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and the memorial service following at 10:00 a.m.

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