Wava Kurth

Wava Daree Kurth passed away peacefully at her home on the morning of July 9, 2026, while under the loving care of her family and Suncrest Hospice.

Wava was born on April 10, 1949, at the home of her parents, Floyd J. and Ruth A. (Sergeant) Phipps, on North 3rd Street in Marshalltown. She attended Marshalltown schools.

On July 26, 1963, Wava married Michael M. Kurth in Bethany, Missouri. Together they built a life and raised their children. They made their home in Laurel and Marshalltown, where they shared many years together.

Wava retired from Swift’s after 20 years of service. She was an avid reader, loved watching police/crime shows and Jeopardy. Wava was incredibly well read. If you had a question, chances are Wava knew the answer.

Wava is lovingly survived by her children, Dawn (Tim) Minard of Lone Tree, Iowa; Doug Kurth of Marshalltown; and Travis (Denise) Kurth of Bennington, NE; her grandchildren, Kevin Minard, Paige Patterson, Katie Smith, Jon Kurth, Stefanie Kurth, Courtney Pedersen, Jordan Kurth, Zack Kurth; step grandchildren – Ashley Linke, Jordan Saure and Terran Brunmeier; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her biological half-siblings, Doug, Judd, June, Dan, and John Whitney; her beloved cat, Kitty; and her lifelong friend since third grade, Michelle Paglia.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Michael, in 2024; her infant daughter, Wendy in 1972; her parents, Floyd and Ruth Phipps; her sister, Dorothy Bergen; her dog, Millie; and her dear friends, Becky Collins and Pam Wilkening.

A casual family-led visitation service will be held on July 27, 2026, at Riverside Cemetery Chapel from 1-3:00 pm., with burial after at Riverside Cemetery.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Wava and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by family

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