Ann Dyvad-Pyle

Ann Marie Dyvad-Pyle, 64, passed away on March 19, 2024, after a courageous over 30-year battle with multiple sclerosis.

Ann was born on May 30, 1959, in San Luis Obispo, California. She was adopted by her loving parents, Harvey and Jean (Chapin) Dyvad, of Storm Lake, Iowa. She graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1977, and the following year was united in marriage to Daniel Pyle. Following their nuptials, Ann and Dan, who met when Ann was 14, welcomed their cherished daughters, Valerie and Melissa. The family eventually relocated to West Branch, Iowa, where Ann cheered for her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes and beamed with pride of her Hawkeye daughters.

Ann worked as a bank teller and in medical records, but truly shined through her volunteerism. She was active in the Methodist Church and enjoyed aiding the West Branch congregation. Ann was a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) and was committed to supporting the advancement of women. She was one of the first women to join the Iowa Jaycees, and also served as a volunteer EMT in Schaller, Iowa. Ann remained active in her community until MS took away her ability to do so.

Ann loved spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She bravely fought the effects of MS for more than 30 years, and all who knew her admired her ability to remain faithful and positive in the face of the illness. Ann moved to Pella, Iowa in 2010, spending her final years at the Cottages. Ann had an uplifting spirit, filling the halls with her laughter, smile and singing. The community of caregivers at The Cottages played an integral role in Ann’s life and are an extension of the Pyle family.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Jean Dyvad. She was also preceded in death by her and Dan’s beloved son, Jamison Daniel Pyle, who died in infancy.

Ann is survived by Dan, and their daughters, Valerie (Akim) Nilausen of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and Melissa (Jacob) Berger of Pella, Iowa, as well as her adoring grandchildren Gabriel, Amelia, and Castiel Nilausen, and Jackson, Hailey, and Mya Berger. Ann is also survived by her brother Jim Dyvad of San Francisco, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many extended family members.

There will be a small, private service for immediate family members in Pella followed by a burial service in Schaller, Iowa on Friday, March 22nd. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, we honor the staff at The Cottages who held our hands, wiped our tears and played an integral role in Ann’s life. Donations in Ann’s memory can be made to The Cottages (1742 Main Street, Pella, Iowa, 50219). Contributions will be put towards enriching the lives of the residents and staff at Ann’s facility.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.