Obituary for Eileen Kay Wyatt

Eileen Kay Wyatt, 81, of Grundy Center, IA, passed away on November 9th, 2024. Family and friends will come together on Saturday, December 21st, 2024, at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Visitation starts at 9:00 am, service to follow at 10:30 am. 

Eileen was born on January 8th, 1943, to Raymond and Dorothea (Good) Appel in Marshalltown, IA. She grew up on a farm south of Grundy Center with her much-loved siblings, Gary, LeAnn, and Donovan.  Eileen became a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in 1958 and was a member until her passing.  She was a 1961 graduate of Grundy Center High School and married Kenneth (Ken) DeBerg that same year. Together they had three children, Michael Wayne, Curtis Don, and Tracy Lynne. Eileen and Ken later divorced. 

In 1974, Eileen married Douglas Wyatt, her soulmate, in Port Austin, Michigan. Together they had one daughter, Melanie Nicole. They enjoyed a simple life together surrounding themselves with good friends and family.  Their time was cut short when Doug lost his battle to cancer in 1996. Eileen mended her broken heart by pouring her energy into her family. Eileen adored watching her family grow and supported every activity they were involved in. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immense pride and delight to her life. Family gatherings were her happiest moments, filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. Eileen was an avid gardener and enjoyed spending many hours tending to her flowers in her yard. She was also a wonderful cook, much to the delight of her children who enjoyed many a meal in her home. 

Eileen worked at several businesses in Grundy Center, the most recent and longest at Manly Drug Store. Known for her warmth, she had a rare gift of making friends everywhere she went. Whether a lifelong friend or a new acquaintance, each person she met felt her kindness and sincerity. In recent years, as life became a bit harder, she was deeply grateful for the support of those around her, and her smile and gentle spirit continued to shine.

Eileen is survived by her loving children Mike DeBerg of Hudson, Curtis (Jaclyn) DeBerg of Huntington Beach, CA, Tracy (Jeff) Beenken of Grundy Center, and Melanie (Jason) Kirkpatrick of Grundy Center; grandchildren Amanda (Chris) Kehe, Alisa (Reggie) Rasmussen, Kylie (friend Noslen), Madison (Carter) Garrington, Aurora (Colton) Bridwell, Jalen Kirkpatrick and Charlee Kirkpatrick; great-grandchildren Kenzie, Kellan, Koen and Adeline; siblings Gary (Teresa) Appel, LeAnn Pappas, and Donovan (Judy) Appel. She was proceeded in death by her parents, and husband, Douglas. 

Eileen’s legacy of love, kindness, and joy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and the memories of her warmth and laughter will be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Eileen's memory to www.givebluehope.org.