Obituary for Yvette Lewis Klubal

Yvette Lewis Klubal was born on August 12, 1923 to Helen (Kelly) Lewis and George Lewis in Baltimore, Maryland.  Her early years were spent on the road throughout the U.S. and Mexico with her parents who were vaudeville performers.  The family eventually settled in Cresskill, NJ.  Yvette graduated from Tenafly High School in 1941.

During World War II, Yvette was employed at the Caven Point Army Depot in Jersey City, NJ, one of the major points of embarkation for US soldiers heading overseas.   It was at Caven Point in March, 1943 that Yvette met a dashing solider from Philadelphia by the name of Gustave.  They were married in Greenville, Pennsylvania on August 10, 1943.  After the war, Gus and Yvette settled in Philadelphia where they raised their two children.  In 2000, she and Gus moved to Indianola, IA to be closer to their daughter, Barbara.

Throughout her life, Yvette enjoyed cooking, crocheting, crewel embroidery and a good martini.  She was an animal lover and especially loved tigers.  (Her favorite tiger was Tiger Woods.)   She will be remembered as a gentle, kind and loving friend, and a second mother to her children’s friends.

Yvette is survived by her children George Klubal of Fryeberg, ME and Barbara (Jan) Svec of Des Moines, IA, and her grandchildren Damek Svec of Napier, IA, Robin Svec of Des Moines, IA and Karl Svec of Ames, IA.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Gustave (2010), and her sister, Juanita Morse and her parents.

Yvette’s family is grateful to the staff at Wesley Acres’ Austin Center and the staff of the Kavanagh House who cared for Yvette during the final months of her life.  They will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life service will take place at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue, Des Moines on Thursday, April 28 at 3:30 pm.  A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Yvette’s honor may be made to Tigers Forever or the Alzheimer’s Association.