Dana Faye Kies
February 5, 1957 - April 5, 2015
Obituary
The Lord called home his daughter and servant, Dana Faye File Kies, on the evening of Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2015. Rarely has the world known such a loving, committed and genuine person. Dana was born on February 5, 1957, was baptized into the family of the Lord that same year, later confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Cherokee, Iowa April 30, 1970. She graduated from Cherokee High School in 1975 and later attended Mankato State University. Dana married her soul-mate and love of her life, Alan, on June 2, 2001.
Growing up in Cherokee as the fifth of six sisters. Dana followed in her father Ken File’s footsteps as a standout basketball star. Dana’s kindness and loving nature meant she never missed an opportunity to send birthday cards to her sisters, parents, nephews, nieces and countless friends. When you opened a card or letter from Dana you knew you were getting a hand written expression of her interest and love for you. Her unwavering optimism in life, incredible smile, and amazing laugh brought hope and love to everyone she encountered. Dana cherished her relationship with the Lord and followed in the Savior’s path of service for others by volunteering consistently with the church and youth in Tacoma schools.
Dana is survived by her husband Alan Kies of Tacoma, Washington – formerly of Newell, Iowa; her father Kenneth File of Cherokee, Iowa. Sister Debra & Larry Salzwedel (sons: Matthew & Amanda; Michael & Hilary, children Naomi, Noah, & Eli). Sister Rhonda Vredenburg (sons: Steven & Joyce Ellens, children Luke, Derek & Lauren. Jeffrey & Jennifer Ellens, children Oriah & Tenzin. Scott & Rebecca Ellens). Sister Sheila and Skip Schossow (son: Jarred and Leigh, children Kaden & Brecken). Sister Karla & Kyle Lundy (son: Christopher & Melissa Perrin, children Blake, Tate & Chase, daughter: Lyndsay & Brent Wolfswinkel, children Laney, Addy, Grady & Charley, son: Mason & fiancée Karen). Sister Krista & David Schwartz.
Alan’s sister Violet Thraen (son: Ronald & Janet Cagle, children Mckenzie, Veronica & Victoria, daughter: Renee Seger, children Brett & Hudson). Sister Gladys & Gene Mandernach (daughter: Brenda & Lance McFadden, children Allison, Megan & Lauren, sons: Douglas & Linda, children Jordan & fiancée Stephanie Peterson, Jaycee & Hunter. Ricky, children Preston & Rebecca, daughter: Angela & Joseph Russell). Brother Francis & Carolyn Kies (sons: Jeff Kies & Jill Henningsen and son Drayke. Mike Kies, and son Owen, daughter: Christy & Keith Horan, children Madelyn, Melany & Mara). Sister-in-Law Sandy, (son: Jamie Kies, and children, daughters: Melissa & Tom Payne, children Colton & Lexi. Pam & Corey Manary, children Tayah & Caydren, sons: Brandon & Jessie Kies, children Easton & Truin. Travis & Hanna Kies, daughter Huxley). Brother Ken & Carol Kies, (son: Kevin & Heidi Kies, children Peyton, Quimby, Emerson & Austin, daughter: Katie & Mike Hinkel). Brother Russell & Donna Kies, (son: Tony & Kory Kies, children Gracelyn & Caden, daughters: Amanda & Jon Robinson, children Ella & Katelyn. Erin Kies & fiancé Ryan Klang, children Dylan, Jeryn, Zayne, Lucas & Landon, Susan Kies and Michaela Kies).
Dana was welcomed into eternal life by her mother Byrla Dell File; her grandparents Boyd & Helen Tronnes and Edward & Dora File; Dana’s other mother Arlene Kies; brothers-in-law Harlan Kies & Jack Thraen, and niece Lisa Mandernach.
To the Kies Family
We are sorry to hear about the passing of Dana. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please remember to take comfort in the loving promise that God tells us about our departed love one. In clear terms, He states that they will live again. ( John 5:28-29) God wants everyone to have strong faith in His personal promise. For that reason, He has preserved nine accounts in the bible that speaks about this wonderful arrangement from God. Here is one such example. It is recorded at Acts 9:36-42. Please remember, that God has given us His promise. God does not lie.( Titus 1:2)
Thinking of you Uncle Al. Sending our love as words cannot say enough how very sorry we are and are going to miss Aunt Dana very much.
Dana was a gift to this world. I pray that all of her family find peace and comfort as they travel through this journey of loss. Al the loved you shared was an example to all. Dana wiil be remembered for her kindness. She touched so many lives always in a positive way. With love and prayers Shirley Skager
Dana if you can see me you know how much I love and miss you.
My brothers are here to help me through this. Your sisters, niece Lyndsay, and my sisters are on the way.
Brother Russ took our motorcycle for a ride today and left with tears in his eyes. I had him wear your helmet so you could feel the wind once again. One day when I’m stronger I’ll try to do the same from time to time.
Love you forever………………..,
Alan
My thoughts and Prayers our with you. Dana was a special lady in our life. Since Tori was age 3 at Child Time Day Care to the 5th grade good bye’s at School Out at Browns Point Elementary. We would see Dana at our garage sales, church bazaars or even at the grocery store. She always and smile on her face and always had a hug. She will be deeply missed. So sorry for your loss.
Dana, You are a special person, never angry, always kind and you had a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss you coming to coffee and passing you while driving, you always waved and smile. I know my life is better because you came into it.
Rest In Peace
Gloria
Dana,
You always said “I was one of a million”. You are one in a million Dana Faye. No one has asked for a better daughter than you have been. The wonderful memories will continue as long as I do. Tell your mother “hi” and we will be together soon. I love you so very much –
Dad
Al & family,
To see all the great pictures of Dana and family makes it so unreal that the world has lost such a wonderful person. I pray the lord Jesus will give you comfort and have wonderful thoughts of Dana greeting her Mother in heaven. May the Lord hold you all in his arms and get you through this difficult time.
Friend Judy
Dana,
There wasn’t a day that I walked into Brown’s Point that you weren’t smiling. Always so kind and funny. It brought me great comfort knowing that my kids were safe and having fun! I loved hearing about your bike rides and the enthusiasm in your voice when you talked about your family.
I said it before but… Thank You Dana ! You are such a kind spirit… Rest in peace…..
Cathy
We are so saddened about Dana. We have wonderful memories of our rides together. They were so much fun! Like the colossal Oyster run. That’s definitely a memory maker. Crazy!!! And remembering the evening our ride ended with dinner on your back deck, warmed by propane tanks, enjoying nature’s peace. Wonderful, wonderful memories. May all the memories of time you shared together, bring you peace, now and forever.
“I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am leaving, but I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going back to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am. I have told you this now, before it happens. Then when it happens, you will believe.John 14:27
Peace be with you always,
Frank and Caroline Castro
Dana,
I thought the hardest day was when we loaded Harlan’ s truck to take you to Tacoma, but I saw how happy and in love you were with Alan. I said a prayer for safe travel and your new life. We said see you later! And many times we were able to be together either here in Iowa or in your beautiful home in Tacoma. It was your true home because you were with Alan.
I will miss your calls, cards, laughs and tears
So my friend again safe travels, see you later.
Love Wendy & Jerr
Marlin and I are so very sorry to hear about this and shocked. Dana was so sweet and loving. Alan, if there is anything we can do, please let Marlin and I know. She will always be in our prayers. God Bless and love and strength for you, Alan. To Dana…….we will never forget you and your kindness.
Love, Marlin and Renee Chroninger
Dana, I am sorry I did not know you better at Resurrection. I was shocked and saddened by your death. I only learned afterwards that we had so much in common-remembering friends’ and family members’ birthdays, loving cats, and being married by Pastor Mary at the same age, 44. Since I learned of your death, I pray frequently for Alan. I pray he feels the comfort of your love for him and the realization you will meet again in heaven.
Phyllis Knopp
Dana was the sweetest person! We were so happy when Al and Dana married! They seemed to be meant for each other!
We are so sorry for your family’s terrible loss. Our prayers are with you all!
I was blessed to have known Dana and will miss her. Prayers especially go to Alan for comfort,
Dana
I miss you like crazy! Everyday for 10 years I’d come to work and see your smile. I loved hearing about your weekends. I miss those talks. You really are one in a million!! I will always keep your family in my prayers….I will see you again