In loving memory of

Chareta Joan Mandel
April 21, 1948 - May 24, 2014

Chareta Reta (Bradford) Mandel, 66, lost her struggle with cancer May 24, 2014, at a Des Moines hospice. A registered nurse for more than 40 years, she recently retired from the VA medical center in Des Moines. Reta was the daughter of Charles and Anne (Kuchera) Bradford of Belle Plaine, Iowa. She is survived by her husband Michael, a retired Army officer, sisters Charlene Hurt and Jayne Peremsky, daughters Ann Bell and Erin Fjellanger, grandson Holden Bell and granddaughter Avery Fjellanger. Reta will be interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.



Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at JDRF Greater Iowa Chapter, 3580 EP True Parkway, Suite 101, West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Tributes

Dianna Willett wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"I Love her picture! I'm almost lost for words. And we, as others worked side by side together. May our prayer be: Heavenly Father, into Your Hands we place our worries, cares, & troubles. Into Your Wisdom, we place our paths, our directions, & our goals. Into Your Love we place our Lives. Joy is not the absence of suffering. Joy is the Presence of God."

Julie Gubser Dahlke wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Loved working with Reta in Telephone Triage. Great lady!"

Randy Klabzuba wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"She is now at peace no more suffering.one day we will join her. Make each day a masterpiece. And don't let the sun go down without telling those you love,,, You love them"

Scott Formanek wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"From the Bergs: Mike, Ann, Erin, Charlene, Jayne and families: Our most sincere sympathy for loss of someone so dear. I think of Reta and remember her laugh and sense of fun and involvement in life. She reached out to many to help and support (professionally and personally), she and Mike were very important to Mom, for which I will always be grateful. This photo sure captures her essence with her grin. I remember her playful attitude and always think of her playing tuba. I was always amazed! We send our love, thoughts and prayers. Love, Dave and Nancy Berg"

Jayne Peremsky wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"We have lost our sister but, many wonderful memories remain. Michael, we are so grateful for the loving care you have gave Reta - this has not been an easy journey. It was a journey you shared with us; diligently keeping us informed of Retas care, condition and decisions that needed to be made. You did all you could to make Retas last days comfortable and dignified. And, being by her side many many hours of each day until her last breadthalways know, as we cherish Reta in our hearts, you are there as well. But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. Jayne, Al, Char, Louie, Michael, Coralie and Lance"

Janie Davis Graves wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Reta was one of the most wonderful and caring nurse and friend. It breaks my heart she is gone so soon. We created many wonderful memories going to the midnight service on Christmas Eve at the West Des Moines Methodist Church and then drivinng around looking at the Christmas lights. I'll miss Reta so much but she's at peace at last. God bless her always."

Marilyn Clove-Kelley wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"So sad!"

Jennifer Kucera wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"I will always remember her smile, and her kind soul. Prayers to you Mike, Ann and Erin."

Nita Doak Kloppenborg wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Reta took care of my husband when he was in the ICU at the VA. Great lady, great nurse. Glad we had the privilege of knowing her."

Scott Formanek wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"Mike and Family: Jacque, Ashley, Amy and I send our deepest sympathies. Please know all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Scott"

Clara Riddle wrote on Oct 31, 2016:

"I am so sorry for your loss Erin. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jack, Cody, Evonne and Clara"