March 29, 2024

Lael Taft

Sept. 26, 2016

Lael Taft of Surprise, Ariz., formerly of Newton, died Monday, Sept. 26, 2016.

Born and raised in Lincoln, Neb., Lael had a 37 year career with the Maytag Company in Newton. He held a number of different roles including manager of service training and commercial regional sales manager. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed Nebraska football, playing golf with friends at Newton Golf and Country Club, traveling in the motorhome with his wife, Pat, studying family genealogy and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Patricia; and his brother Loren Taft. He is survived by three children, Debra (Brian) Baker of Norwalk, Diane (Art) Nelsen of Surprise, Ariz., and David (Melissa) Taft of Lake Mills; brother Elvon “Al” (Pat) Taft of Lincoln, Neb.; and a sister, Arlene (Les) Thomas of Elm Creek, Neb.; as well as six grandchildren, Nathan and Nick Baker, Emily and Lindsay Stoffel and Kaylee and Emma Taft.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or 3628 Prairie Sage Drive, Norwalk, IA 50211.