Aileen Marie Manser

Funeral services for Aileen M. Manser, 91, of Lacona, to be held Friday, December 10, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lacona Christian Church. Burial will be at the Cochran Cemetery near Lacona.

Family will receive friends and family Thursday evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Milo. It is a request that memorials are sent to the Lacona Christian Church or the American Heart Association.

You may join Aileen’s family via livestream at https://my.gather.app/remember/aileen-manser

Aileen Marie Butler was born February 5, 1930 in Lacona, IA to Gary and Louise Butler. Sadly, Aileen’s mother passed shortly after childbirth. Her grandparents Mae and John Butler raised Aileen.

As a child, Aileen lived next door to the Manser family and always had a crush on their eldest son Dwight. They shared many childhood memories. Dwight liked to tease her in fun, but only took her on one date to a high school dance. After high school graduation, Aileen worked for the Indianola Herold, and Dwight joined the Air Force and stationed in Albuquerque, NM. A little over 3 years later Aileen visited Dwight in Albuquerque and six months later on December 29, 1954, they were married.

They lived a short while in California, before returning to Iowa for Dwight to start Veterinarian School at Iowa State University. During his 7 years of college, the couple were blessed with 4 children. Nine years later, they were surprised with one more son.

Dwight moved his family to Oregon, Illinois where he became partners in a practice with his close friend and colleague, Ed Howes. Dwight and Aileen raised their family and built many wonderful friendships in Oregon until 1996, when they then retired and returned to their hometown of Lacona, Iowa.

Aileen was a loving mother and grandmother. Her home was always open, and she welcomed all who visited with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She enjoyed baking and became known for her cinnamon rolls and large Christmas platters, which she would always share with friends and family. She loved talking on the phone with dear friends, and often shared stories about her life in Pammel Court and raising children alongside her dear friend Shirl. She loved the water, and enjoyed the many boat trips and vacations they took over the years. Dwight and Aileen loved to host big gatherings and always made an effort to spend time with family and friends. When living in Lacona, Aileen was active as a member of the Lacona Christian Church, The Red Hatters Society, and enjoyed playing Bunko with neighbors and family. Aileen’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They warmed her heart, kept her smiling, and kept her laughing when they were ornery. One of Aileen’s greatest values was making time for family and friends, so much that it was important for her to make sure there was always a gathering place for all to feel welcomed and loved. Aileen truly had a heart-of-gold, and described as “the sweetest person ever known”.

Dwight and Aileen taught their children the importance of love, forgiveness, and family, and started many “Family Traditions”.

Aileen passed away at Windsor Manor in Indianola with her family by her side. Preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Manser, and son, Steven Manser.

She will be greatly missed by her children: Vicki (Ron) Simmons, Randy (Sherry) Manser, Shari (Pat) McCoy, Terry (Terri) Manser, and daughter-in-law Debbie Manser (Steve); 11 grandchildren: Jenny (Francisco), Cathy (Adam), Steven (Lindsey), Nina (Monty), Miranda, Nichole, Karen (Ezra), Kevin (Amber), Matt (Rachal), Sam, and Colton; 11 great grandchildren: Logan, Phillips, Levi, Emilio, Tripp, Ellie, Adrian, Madison, Emmett, Annabelle, Layne, Riley and Reese.