In Memory of Our Supporters
We acknowledge our generous supporters and pro-life warriors who have died. We would love to include past supporters. Please send photos to karen@bmi-info.com. Include the persons name and when they died and a copy of their obituary or what you want us to include.
Please consider remembering Iowans for LIFE in your will with Legacy Giving.
Dr. Kenneth F. Conry
Ronald Herbert Bromert was born on January 5, 1941, in Carroll, Iowa, to Herbert Bromert and Irma (Carstens) Bromert and passed away at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center, on February 21, 2024, at the age of 83. His family lived in Carroll until 1947, when they moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, for a year. They then settled in Manning, Iowa, where Ron attended school. In high school he participated in band, playing the trumpet, and vocal music, where he was chosen for the All-State Choir. He also participated in football and basketball.
He graduated from Manning High School in 1959 and from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1963, with a degree in Music Education. He taught elementary vocal music and band in Griswold, Iowa, for three years, where he met his future wife, Kay Roberts. They were married on June 1, 1966, and moved to Greenfield, Iowa, where Ron taught elementary vocal music for three years. During the summers, Ron and Kay attended Central Missouri State College, Warrensburg, Missouri, to work on master’s degrees. Ron graduated from there in 1969 with a Masters in School Administration.
They moved to Cumberland, Iowa, for one year, where Ron worked as the Elementary principal in the Cumberland-Massena school district. The following year, they moved to Anita, Iowa, where Ron worked as the Elementary Principal for six years. In 1973, their son Michael William was born. In Anita, Ron was active in the Lions Club, and he and Kay enjoyed square dancing and Ron discovered barbershop music, becoming a charter member of the Atlantic, Iowa chapter of SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America).
In 1976, they moved to Madrid, Iowa, where Ron became the Elementary-Junior High principal. Six weeks after the move to Madrid, Their son Steven Joseph was born. In 1984, Ron accepted the position of Elementary principal at Sacred Heart School in West Des Moines, Iowa, and the family moved to West Des Moines.
In 1986, their lives went in a different direction when they answered an ad in the Des Moines Register for a teaching principal, a wife who could teach, and elementary-age children. They met all three criteria, so they answered the ad, had an interview, and accepted these positions in Ilo, Peru, South America. They worked for Southern Peru Copper Corporation, teaching in an American school there. Mike and Steve had both of their parents as teachers!
After ten years in Peru, it was time to come home, so they moved back to Urbandale, Iowa. Ron worked for the Des Moines Public School system at Scavo, Central Campus, and later at St. Joseph’s School as an ESL teacher. He retired in 2006.
Ron was a member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church and was a Third Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member of SPEBSQSA (now known as the Barbershop Harmony Society) all his life. He and Kay planned their vacations every year so they could attend the International Barbershop Competition over the Fourth of July. Ron also enjoyed riding his recumbent bicycle (and later his recumbent trike), going to car shows and stock car races, reading mysteries, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Kay, son Mike and wife Anne of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, son Steve of Overland Park, Kansas, grandsons Chase Bromert and Logan Bromert, both of Des Moines, granddaughters Lily Bromert and Eleanor Bromert of Overland Park, brother Tom and wife Linda of Glendale, Arizona, niece Sara Bromert Price and husband Rob of Arizona, and their two sons J.T. and Casey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herb Bromert and Irma Bromert and a nephew Jason Bromert.
Dr. Kenneth F. Conry
On July 15, 2023, one hour after his 89th birthday and surrounded by his family, Dr. Kenneth Francis Conry died of complications from Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, the condition that slowly claimed his body over forty years, but mercifully never his sharp mind nor his loving spirit.
Ken was born on July 14, 1934 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaUpon graduating with a double major in history and pre-med in 1955, Ken ventured east to medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, where he met his beloved wife-to-be, Mary Vander Meer. The young couple moved back to LA for Ken’s radiology residency at Queen of Angels Hospital. They quickly added three boys in three years to the family. In 1962, following residency, Ken and his family moved east to Washington DC where he served for two years as a Public Health Officer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Ken practiced medicine in various hospitals from California to Kansas, Indiana to Arizona, while adding three more children and countless pets to the family along the way. The Conrys finally settled in Urbandale, Iowa in 1976. Ken retired in 2006 from the Greenfield Hospital and Veterans Administration Hospital in Des Moines.
Ken gave generously, volunteered his time to various charities, and was an active member of his church.
John Pierick
John (Jack) Pierick passed away peacefully on December 3, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society in Manson, Iowa. Jack was born January 30, 1936 in Carroll, Iowa to John and Barbara (Krischel) Pierick. He had one sibling, Donna White of West Des Moines.
After retiring from education, Jack started a very rewarding second career at Opportunity Living in Lake City, a facility for mentally and physically challenged adults. He loved the residents, and they loved him!
Jack was very active at St. Thomas Church, attending daily Mass and serving as trustee for over 20 years. He was also an active 4th degree Knight of Columbus.
Jack loved Manson and was always willing to support the town. He was on the City Council, School Board, Good Samaritan Board, and Cemetery Board.
Jack married Marilyn Simpson in 1961, and they were married over 61 years. They had 2 children, Jeff (Karen) of Des Moines, and Jackie (Marc) Wallin of Urbandale. He was a very dedicated son to his parents; a devoted husband and father; and a proud grandfather. He loved attending his grandkids events. His had nine grandchildren. Jack loved to hunt, fish with his boat, and play and attend games with his family. In his day, he played town team baseball for many years with the Palmer Rockets and the Churdan team.
Mike Proctor
Michael “Mike” Proctor, 72, of Urbandale died on November 9, 2022.
Mike was born to Morey and Mary (Gagen) Proctor on August 13, 1950 in Des Moines, IA. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1968. Mike had a 50 year career at Proctor Mechanical, retiring as owner/CEO. He served on the Board of Directors with ABC of Iowa for many years, serving as the chairmen for one of those years.
Mike was united in marriage to Sally Hook on November 22, 1970. He took great pride in all of his kids and grandkids. He loved watching his grandkids participate in all their activities. He was actively involved in his own kids’ activities being a soccer coach for many years.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and sarcasm. He will be profoundly missed.
In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to InnerVisions Healthcare or Pulse Life Advocates .
Raymond Banner
Raymond Vaughn Banner, son of Vilas C. and Mary A. (Clark) Banner, was born December 16, 1937, at rural Tingley, Iowa in the home of his grandparents, Dellno and Lola Banner.
He grew up on several farms in Ringgold County. In 1956 he graduated from Benton High School. Raymond graduated with a certificate from Grace Bible Institute, Omaha, Nebraska, 1959; received a B.A. degree from Bob Jones University, 1961; earned a Th. M. (Master of Theology) degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, 1965.
From August 1965 to 1969 he was engaged in preaching and religious work. In April 1970 he moved to Des Moines where he was employed as a clerk at the Des Moines, Iowa Post Office from April 27, 1970 to August 31, 1992 when early retirement was taken. He had worked part time at the Dallas Post Office when in seminary.
In 1972 Raymond became involved with the Right to Life movement and was an active volunteer for twenty years.
Raymond compiled, wrote, edited, and published a number of books on genealogy and local history.
He was conservative in his Christian faith, politics, and lifestyle. Reading, research, and writing were favorite pastimes. Raymond was a lifelong bachelor.
Lyle Carpenter
Lyle converted to Catholicism through earnest independent discernment, and became a life-long advocate.
He and Jeanne sent ten kids to Dowling over a span of 22 years. He always encouraged his children to pursue life and faith, and to accept their life’s ups and downs as part of life and God’s plan. His optimism and graciousness drew people to him.
A grandchild wrote: “He was a great man. An ambassador of the catholic faith. A loyal family man, successful business man, a leader, and a rock. A true example of hard work, dedication, love, and strength. He had a great sense of humor. Especially his banter with Gma. I can hear his laugh now. Goodbye Gpa, you loved us dearly and thank you for all that you did for Gma and mom & dad and for us grandkids”.
Lyle and his wife Jeanne have been champions for the cause of life and generous supporters of Iowans For Life over the years.
Pray for us, Lyle Carpenter!
Leo Schneider
Leo Richard Schneider, age 95, of Ames, died Monday, January 18, 2021 at Northcrest Community.
Leo’s life centered around faith and family. He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. He delighted in gifting the fruits of his labors, whether furniture he built or refinished or fresh flowers and vegetables from his pristine yard and garden. In their retirement, Leo and Betty traveled together from coast to coast, preferably by train, to visit family, attend Elderhostels, or hike in Glacier Park.
Leo loved to regale anyone who would listen with tales of his rough-and-tumble youth in Rock Island, earlier years of Cyclone basketball, rural life in the Pacific Northwest, and countless other adventures — often with Betty admonishing, “Oh, Leo, they’ve heard that one!”
Leo is survived by his wife of 71 years, Betty.
Pray for us, Leo!
Therese Solawetz
Therese was born July 21, 1928 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Edward and Anna (Brzinski) Bruzan. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and later a teaching certificate from DePaul University. She taught in Wood Dale, IL for a few years before her marriage to William Solawetz on February 20, 1954 in Cicero, IL. After raising her seven children, Therese worked as a librarian and substitute teacher in Roselle, IL. She and Bill moved to Monroe in 1994. Therese was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish where she served as a substitute teacher and volunteered teaching religious education and helping with the After School Reading Program. She also volunteered her time at St. Vincent de Paul and Monroe Clinic.
Iowans for Life has received donations in memory of Therese.
Therese's son and his wife Wendy are generous supporters of Iowans for Life.
Pray for us Therese!
Richard Heger
Richard “Dick” Edward Heger, 88, will be remembered for his friendliness, generosity, and faithfulness to his family and God. He died peacefully with family by his side on January 28, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
A devout Catholic, Dick attended daily Mass. He was an active member of Saint Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church for over 50 years, where he participated in the Knights of Columbus, Men’s Club, weekly Bible Study, Pro-Life Committee, and more. He was also very active in the St. Serra Club and was a member of the Dominican Associates.
Dick was comfortable talking to anyone and loved to tell jokes. His favorite pastimes were fishing and playing games and cards with friends and family, along with boating, skiing, golfing, bowling, and tennis. He cherished the annual family vacation at the lake. Dick was a great cook; pies were his speciality. He loved to read, find a bargain, and could fix anything.
Pray for us, Dick!
Mary McManus
Mary Eileen McManus of Urbandale, IA, entered eternal life at the age of 90 on Nov. 15, 2021. Mary was graceful and gifted, serving others with compassion her entire life.
Born the second in a family of eight, she became a mother of six. She was cherished for her intellect, humor, and guiding her children and grandchildren into pursuits using their God-given talents.
She received her nursing degree and practiced once her children were in school. Mary later became a counselor, serving as an in-patient counselor at the Harold Hughes Treatment Center and then at Mercy Alcohol & Drug Recovery Program.
She opened her own family therapy practice in Urbandale and received certifications in death and dying, addictions, dream interpretation, and spiritual direction.
Mary and her husband were lay Carmelites and longtime Serra Club members.
Mary was passionately pro-life and a generous supporter of Pulse Life Advocates.
Pray for us Mary!