Melissa (Criswell) Wickwire, 36, of Grinnell, died on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center – West Lakes in West Des Moines.
A funeral service was held Monday, Dec. 28, at the Grinnell Christian Church with pastor John Epperson officiating. Pallbearers were Charlie Criswell, Cindy Strobel, Tyler Graham, Tim McAtee, Jr., Seth McAtee, and Nick Long. Honorary bearers were Sam and Olivia Strobel, Caleb, Ryan, and Eli Criswell, Ashley and Landon Criswell, Kevin Long, and her sons, Jake and Jared Wickwire. Melissa will be laid to rest next to her grandparents, Chuck and Twyla Mae McAtee, at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.
Memorial contributions may be designated to the Melissa C. Wickwire Memorial Fund to benefit her two sons’ college education funds.
Melissa Cress (Criswell) Wickwire was born the daughter of Larry Eugene and Patricia Sue (McAtee) Criswell on May 20, 1979, in Grinnell. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1997. She then attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids.
On Mar. 27, 2004, Melissa was united in marriage to Alan Jeffrey Wickwire at the Christian Church in Grinnell. They were blessed with two sons, Jake and Jared. Melissa was a dialysis technician for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Melissa’s family meant everything to her. She was a strong supporter of her sons’ school and sports activities. She would do any activity, even if she didn’t particularly like it, as long as it meant she would be with her husband and two boys. She will be remembered for her kind, gentle, fun-loving spirit and for the love of her family.
Melissa is survived by her husband of 11 years, Alan J. Wickwire of Grinnell; her boys, Jake and Jared; parents, Larry and Pat Criswell of Grinnell; sister, Cindy Strobel of Grinnell; brother, Charlie (Katie) Criswell of Grinnell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents; William and Lela Criswell; and maternal grandparents, Chuck and Twyla Mae McAtee.
