Marie Vestal

Marie Elaine Kent Vestal, age 86, was born on March 18, 1940, to Mary Ferdig and Stephen Kent. As a young child, she was placed in an orphanage in Sioux City, Iowa, where she spent much of her childhood. During her teenage years, she was placed in the loving foster home of Uncle Clarence and Aunt Ada. She completed her education through the 11th grade. After Aunt Ada passed away, Marie once again found herself without a home. She then moved to Colorado, where she married Lawrence Wilkerson Sr.

Following the end of her first marriage on November 8, 1984, she married the love of her life, Glen Ray Vestal Sr., on November 11, 1984. They shared 41 wonderful years of marriage until Glen’s passing in November 2025.

Marie dedicated much of her career as a certified nurse’s aide, compassionately caring for others. She also worked at a daycare center, where she found great joy in caring for children. Nothing made Marie happier than holding a baby, comforting them, and making them feel loved. Caring for others was more than her profession, it was simply who she was.

Marie found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the color pink, Swiss cheese, patty melts, the casino, and spending afternoons watching The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, Little House on the Prairie, and General Hospital. She enjoyed browsing thrift stores and took pride in finding bargains, believing that family and memories were far more valuable than material possessions.

Family was the center of Marie’s life. She cherished every moment spent with her children and grandchildren, especially taking them out for ice cream and making sure no one ever went hungry. She had an incredibly generous heart and would gladly give her last $20 to a person in need. She was happiest in the comfort of her home, wearing her favorite thrift-store clothes, surrounded by those she loved.

Marie will be remembered for her long, beautiful hair, her distinctive high cheekbones, her warm smile, and her compassionate heart. One of her favorite sayings was, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” a phrase that continues to bring smiles to those who knew and loved her.

In her final years, Marie wished to live with her youngest daughter, Regina. That wish was lovingly fulfilled, and she spent the last chapter of her life surrounded by love, comfort, and in the home they shared. She passed away peacefully at home.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glen Ray Vestal Sr.; her parents, brothers: Richard Fredrickson, Mike Fredrickson, Joe Holloway, Albert Holloway, Art Holloway, John Holloway, and Ralph Holloway.

She is survived by her sisters, Viola Holloway Welch and Lil Holloway Buck; her brothers, Virgil Holloway and Irvin Holloway; her four children, Dennice Wilkerson, Velvet Wilkerson Malone, Lawrence “Larry” Wilkerson Jr., and Regina Wilkerson Angandja; her grandchildren, Zachary Wilkerson, Chastity Wilkerson Holloway, Tina Holloway, Crystal Dinkel, Daniel Dinkel, Jeremiah Angandja, Jenavieve Angandja, and Maria Wilkerson; along with many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Marie leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, compassion, and unconditional love. Her gentle spirit, selfless heart, and unwavering devotion to her family touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Private services were held at the Ohde Funeral Home in Manning, Iowa.