Quetsch-Bales, Margaret (Molly)

Margaret (Molly) Quetsch-Bales, 56, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 15, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines.

Molly was born Aug. 10, 1955, in Oshkosh, Wis., the daughter of Fran and Richard Quetsch. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated from Regis High School and then the University of Iowa in 1977. She married Brian Bales on Dec. 27, 1986, in Cedar Rapids.

Molly was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, was a cantor there, sang in the Traditional Church Choir and worked as an associate in the church office the last two years. She volunteered at many school and church activities, loved music and felt that singing was her way of praying.

Molly loved to travel and Monterey, Calif., held special memories for her. She had a heart of gold, was a loving and giving friend, and was most proud of being a homemaker and raising her three children.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; two sons, Shaun Bales of Raleigh, N.C. and Joe (Nicole) Quetsch-Bales of West Des Moines, who is a recent I.S.U. graduate; daughter, Heather Bales of Philadelphia, Pa.; granddaughter, Zoe Bales-Ramos; father, Dr. Richard Quetsch of Cedar Rapids; two brothers, John Quetsch of Cedar Rapids and Joe (Mary) Quetsch of Columbia, Mo.; and two sisters, Mary (Dr. Tom) Hansen of Cedar Rapids and Kathy (Dr. Tom) Edwards of Eau Claire, Wis.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Fran Quetsch; and a brother, Richard.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, West Des Moines with a vigil service at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be given to the American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences to .

Published in The Gazette July 18, 2012.