Sheryl (Cooling) VanWyk

Sheryl (Cooling) VanWyk, age 68 formerly of Sully, passed away at on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Center in Urbandale.

Born Sheryl Lynn Cooling on August 5, 1956 in Marshalltown, the 2nd child of Vernon and Ruth (Nott) Cooling. She graduated from Garwin High School in 1974.

In 1976, Sheryl was united in marriage with Paul Steuhm. They were blessed with two daughters, Kellie and Kendra. The couple later divorced.

Sheryl was united in marriage with Dale Freese in 1991. They were blessed with a son, Colt. The couple later separated.

In 2005, Sheryl was united in marriage with Wes VanWyk. The couple later divorced. Sheryl worked at Iowa Telecom, formerly General Telephone Electronics, for many years before leaving to help her husband, Wes, run their business. Sheryl worked the administrative operations for Earth Works Inc.

Sheryl was raised in the United Methodist Church, but in her adult life, she attended 1st Reformed Church of Sully. She was active in the community – helping with the Jasper County freedom rock and the 125th Celebration of Sully.

Sheryl was intrigued by history, whether it be war history, music or classic Hollywood. She loved music (especially the Beetles and Fleetwood Mac) and live concerts. Sheryl loved going antiquing and to flee markets and feeling the wind through her hair on motorcycle rides or on a cruise in her convertible.

Sheryl loved her family dearly and enjoyed time with each of them. She would take all the jokes coming from her kids with her fun-loving spirit, cherish trips with her parents, and adored her grandchildren. Sheryl had the ability to make a stranger into a friend quickly and had a bright smile for everyone she crossed paths with. Sheryl was vibrant, kind, generous and helpful to all around her.

Sheryl was given the diagnoses of dementia in 2020 and has been in a care facility for the last 5 years. She kept up her spunky charismatic persona while at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Specialty Care Center.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her dad, Vernon Cooling; the fathers of her children, Paul Steuhm and Dale Freese; and her brothers, Ray and Rick Cooling. Left to cherish her memory are: her mother, Ruth Cooling of Garwin; children, Kellie Phillips of Pella, IA, Kendra Steuhm of Seattle, WA and Colt Freese of Colorado Springs, CO; and grandchildren, Harper and Quinn Phillips. She is also survived by her siblings, DeeAnna Feldmann, Greg Cooling and Danny Cooling.

Visitation was held from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Funeral Services were held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial was in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown.

Memorial donations may be directed to the family for later designation to an Alzheimer’s organization of their choice.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Sheryl and her family. To leave online condolences or more information, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.