Sheila Louise (Kottman) Wendel, 70 of Clive, Iowa formerly of Monona, Iowa passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023 at her home. She was born February 1, 1953 to Harland Paul and LaVon Leona (Froning) Kottman in Postville, Iowa. Sheila was baptized on March 29, 1953 and confirmed in June 1967 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa.
Sheila graduated from MFL High School on May 20, 1971. Sheila continued with her education for many years to come. She spent countless hours studying to become a Volunteer EMT in Monona, Iowa. She had that pager on her hip as much as she could and would rush to those in need at all hours of the day and night. She also worked as a paraprofessional for MFL MarMac Elementary School. She went on to higher education at Upper Iowa University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Education. Her teaching career took her to Clear Creek Amana Schools where she taught elementary school. Sheila continued her studies at Coe College to earn her Master of Arts in Education and soon after, her Administration Certification at Drake University. She then became a principal and curriculum director at Vinton-Shellsburg Community Schools. Sheila was a life-long learner and teaching was one of her passions. She experienced an unplanned early retirement due to an injury but this new chapter resulted in her being able to move closer to her grandchildren.
Sheila was a person of many talents and she enjoyed teaching others. She loved being in the kitchen leading others for family holiday meals and couldn’t wait to bring out all her surprise gifts she had found or crafted for every holiday. She always brought the fun and entertainment. Sheila had an unbelievable artistic ability. Not only could she cook/bake anything, she could also craft any project. She had a good sense of humor and could always find a bright side. She will be greatly missed for all this as well as her ability to listen and support. She would always say: “You have many chapters in life, it’s okay to start a new one.” As hard as it is to do without her, we will have to start a new chapter with her spirit in our hearts.
She had a passion for watching sporting events. Many times, she would have Gamechanger on her phone, another game on her iPad and another sport on the TV. She gladly followed the grandkids’ sports, all high school teams and Iowa college teams. She knew exactly when they played each week and kept the family up to date to tune in. She had a love of country music and the soundtrack from Mamma Mia. If her health over the last couple of years hadn’t kept her home, she would have loved to travel more. She loved the beach, Yellowstone and road trips. One of her favorite things to do was stop at all of the little shops along the way. It was likely that she would find a treasure at a Goodwill or antique shop.
In the last couple of years, Sheila went through a lot with her health. She was in and out of the hospital many times but never complained. She was a fighter and wanted to be strong for her family. We just think God had a plan this last time and called her home.
Surviving Sheila are her children, Allyssa (Scott) Kohnert of Polk City, Iowa, Blane (Laura) Martins of Urbandale, Iowa and Craig Martins of Luana, Iowa; her mother, LaVon Kottman of Monona, Iowa; grandchildren, Brendan Martins, Cecelia Martins, Claire Martins, Reese Kohnert, Camryn Kohnert and Brecken Kohnert; sisters, Julie Wiedenmann of Monona, Iowa and Lisa (Dave) Wille of Monona, Iowa; nieces and nephew and their children, Jamie (Lonnie) Lightfoot, Caden, Carter and Cael, Stephanie (Jed) Jones, Evelyn, Walkeen and Whitaker, Andrew Wille and her aunt Donna Cooper. Sheila was preceded in death by her father, Harland Kottman.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm with a Visitation from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant.
Inurnment at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with services.