Earl and Doris Hledik

Earl Ernest Hledik, 98, and Doris Martha Scheffler Hledik, 95, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully October 12th, 2026, and May 31st, 2024, respectively.

Earl Hledik was born in Meadow Grove, NE, the seventh of 8 children to Emil and Frances (Hamerink) Hledik. He grew up on the family farm near Clarkson, NE. He married Doris Scheffler on September 10th, 1950. The early years of their marriage were spent working on the Hledik family farm until Earl was drafted in the Army in January of 1952, where he was stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska until the end of the Korean War. With the war over, they returned to Nebraska and eventually made their way to Des Moines, IA, where he was employed as a gas lineman for Iowa Power and Light Co. (now known as MidAmerican Energy) for 32 years.  Beginning with his time serving in the Army, Earl was a regular blood donor, donating over 21 gallons of blood during his lifetime. 

Doris Hledik was born in Creston, NE, the third of 7 children to Elmer and Martha (Vanderohe) Scheffler. She grew up on the family farm near Madison, NE where she met Earl at an annual Threshers event. They were married on September 10th, 1950. When Earl was drafted in the Korean War, she followed him to Ladd Air Force Base in Alaska where their daughter, Debbie was born. After the war ended, they returned to Nebraska and eventually made their way to Des Moines, IA, where they raised their children; Debbie, Glenn, and Steven. 

The couple are survived by their children, Debbie (Kenneth) Parsons and Glenn (Linda) Hledik; a granddaughter, Dr. Stephanie Hledik; a grandson, Brent Parsons; great-granddaughters, Samantha Hledik and Rylee Parsons, and a great-grandson, Lucas Hledik.

Earl and Doris were preceded in death by their parents; their infant daughter, Barbara; a son, Steven; a grandson, Travis Parsons; and all of their siblings.

The couple will be buried at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA on Thursday, October 22, at 12:30pm.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.