Ardelle Brown

Ardelle Evelyn Brown, 89, of Cedar Falls, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on February 28, 2026. She was born on December 16, 1936, at home on the family farm near Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Augusta (Ziemer) Klein. She graduated from Estherville Junior College and taught in the Spirit Lake and Terril schools. On June 16, 1957, she was united in marriage to Donald Eugene Brown in Estherville. Ardelle and Don came to Cedar Falls to attend Iowa State Teachers College (UNI). She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1960. She taught kindergarten, first and second grades in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo schools, with most of her years at Irving Elementary. She was a proud member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) since 1964. She was also a member of Keepsake Quilters since 1990. She was a charter member of the Quilts to Share nonprofit group. She was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity since 1995. She also volunteered for many other organizations and was in several book discussion groups. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and active in Memory Circle at the Community Center. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, knitting, gardening, reading, Bridge, and puzzles. She loved to be involved in family activities and loved her cats. Ardelle was a high-energy, very active person until her last day. She was friendly and outgoing. She would talk to anybody and everybody – especially children. She had a heart for social justice and service to others. Survivors included her daughter, Elaine (Bill) Brown of Cedar Falls; son, Jeff (Lynette) Brown of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Anne (Steve) Wilmoth of Iowa City, Tyler Peterson of Lawrenceville, GA, Zach Brown of Des Moines, Jackson Brown of Des Moines, Kyle Brown of Cedar Falls, Tyler Brown of Gilbertville; great grandchildren, Penelope and Stevie Wilmoth of Iowa City; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; sister, Arlene Weir, brothers, Loren and Bob Klein; and son-in-law, Dave Peterson. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls with visitation one hour prior. Memorials may be directed to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship Fund.

Ardelle Brown

December 16, 1936 - February 28, 2026