Rev. Timothy Ayers, 73

Rev. Timothy Ayers, 73, of Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook, IA, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, at Peace United Church of Christ in Gladbrook. Arrangements are entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Timothy Ayers was born and raised along with his four brothers (Jack, Ed, Chris and Matt) in New Castle, PA, where he met and married Yvonne. After earning his college degree at Edinboro University in Edinboro, PA, he taught art to high school students. In 1974, Tim and Yvonne moved to Hollywood, FL. It was there that he made and sold his award-winning jewelry and worked as a mailman while earning a degree in theology. In 1977, his only child, Rebecca, was born. At that time, he and Yvonne became Christians and devoted themselves to church work at Hollywood Bible Chapel. Within a few years, Tim, Yvonne and Rebecca moved to Illinois to learn how to plant churches in the US. In the following years they moved to Michigan and two Chicago suburbs for Tim to pastor. Around the same time, he began writing books and became a published author, cartoonist, and illustrator. In 1996, Tim moved back to Pennsylvania and became a realtor and salesman. While there, he became a grandfather to Jude, and seven years later to Lily. “Bapa” was Tim’s favorite name and role in this life, so he moved to Iowa to be closer to his grandchildren. Tim was happiest when giving his grandchildren gifts, talking with them, playing with them, and telling stories about them, to them, or for them.

Tim’s final pastorate was in Gladbrook, IA, at Peace Church; there he felt he had finally found his home. Tim began interim ministry at Peace Church in April of 2020, and by November was hired full time. With his tender heart and compassion for all kids, he grew the Sunday School attendance and Children’s Sermons. He touched all ages and had a very special talent for relating the scriptures to our everyday lives. He loved the small-town atmosphere and liked walking into the grocery store and having people say hi to him by name. Tim was a huge supporter of his new hometown and belonged to the Gladbrook Lions Club and Gladbrook Commercial Club. He loved helping with the Christmas Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees activities wearing his very popular elf outfit. He liked dressing up and participating in the Gladbrook Trick or Treat Night handing out the treats to all the kids. He also thoroughly enjoyed riding on the Peace Church float in the Corn Carnival Grand Parade and of course, throwing out candy. Tim was a member of the Northwest Tama County Ministerial Association where his responsibilities included participating in the Westbrook Acres church services, writing articles for the Sun-Courier, and community Good Friday Services, Thanksgiving Services, Crop Walk and Memorial Services at Westbrook. He was a member of the Gladbrook Son of the American Legion Squadron and was very proud of his father’s military service during WW II. He never missed a Senior Citizen Dinner or any other fundraiser; he didn’t like to cook. The American Legion Auxiliary “Kids Shopping Day” hosted by Peace Church was his all-time favorite community activity. He was amazed by all the children who came to pick out gifts for their family and learn the true meaning for the season.

Tim will be missed by his daughter, Rebecca (Charles) Rennie and two grandchildren, Jude and Lily, all of LeClaire, IA, and his brothers: Jack, Ed, Chris and Matt.

He was preceded in death by his parents.