Lael Taft

Lael E. Taft, age 77, a resident of Sun City Grande in Surprise, AZ, died Monday September 26, 2016. A private Celebration of Life will be held in Surprise in November. A public memorial service will be held in Newton, IA, at the First Presbyterian Church (date and time tbd) Lael E. Taft was born on November 20, 1938, in Lincoln, NE, the son of the late George and Leona (Brown) Taft. Lael married his late wife, Patricia (Burnett) Taft in July of 1961. Lael is survived by a brother, Elvin Taft, and sister, Arlene (Taft) Thomas, three children and their spouses: Brian and Deb (Taft) Baker, David and Melissa Taft, and Arthur and Diane (Taft) Nelsen. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Nathan Baker, Nicholas Baker, Emily Stoffel, Lindsay Stoffel, Kaylee Taft, and Emma Taft. He was raised in Lincoln, NE and lived in Lincoln until shortly after his graduation from Nebraska Weslyan University. Lael and Pat relocated a number of times during his career with the Maytag Company, eventually settling long-term in Newton, IA for over 30 years. They then retired to Surprise, AZ in 1998. He had a 37-year career with the Maytag Company where he held a number of roles including Manager of Service Training and Commercial Regional Sales Manager. When he retired, he was an avid golfer for many years and enjoyed traveling in his motor home with Pat. During his life, Lael brought great joy to his co-workers, friends, and family, and is leaving behind many friends and wonderful memories. Lael had recently been diagnosed with dementia, and the family suggests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to the Alzheimer's Association. A Memorial Page for Lael has been established on the alz.org website. Click here to view the fund page for In Memory of Lael Taft If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://act.alz.org/site/TR?pxfid=376120&fr_id=1060&pg=fund&et=vr1S54MD9yXf1Pz6fWGLeQ&s_tafId=1910