Phianna Unternahrer

Phianna Marie Unternahrer, age 80, of Wayland, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Bethel Church, with Pastor Ben Linville officiating. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at Bethel Church, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. A general memorial has been established. Online condolences may be sent for Phianna’s family at www.jonesfh.com. Phianna was born May 2, 1944, in Washington County, Iowa, the daughter of David and Agnes (Van Winkle) Messenger. She graduated from Keota High School. On June 23, 1967, Phianna was united in marriage to John Unternahrer in Chicago, Illinois. Phianna spent all of her adult life in Wayland. Early on, she accepted Jesus as her savior and became a member of Independent Bible Church in town. She worked at the Keota Nursing Home, Advance Ross Manufacturing, Washington County Hospital, and was a self-employed housekeeper for many years. The relationships she formed with the people she worked for were important to her, and she treated them like extended family. Phianna was always putting others before herself and willing to help those in need. She will be remembered as an excellent cook, able to make something special out of nothing. She loved collecting Santas, enjoyed motorcycle vacations, and took great joy in working outside, especially in her garden. Above all, Phianna cherished her family. She was happiest when spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored. Phianna is survived by her husband, John; two children: son, John David (Shannon) Unternahrer of Wayland, and daughter, Melodie (Glen) Winkler of Corning; her grandchildren: Marie (Matt) Swalin of Cedar Falls; Michael (friend Sara) Unternahrer of Washington; Tony Unternahrer of Florida; Adrian Unternahrer of Wayland; Braxton Unternahrer of Wayland; Jacob (Kristina) Winkler of Creston; Joshua (Jasmine) Winkler of Corning; Melissa (Reggie) Perrin of Corning; and Grayson Winkler of Corning; and ten great-grandchildren: Maylee Swalin, Madisyn Swalin, Mason Swalin, Berklee Winkler, Jade Winkler, Kolson Winkler, Jameson Winkler, Jakob Winkler, Becca Perrin, and Walker Perrin. She is also survived her brother, David Messenger of Brighton; sister, Margret (John) Volkman of Pennsylvania; sister, Shirley Fish of Kansas; sister-in-law, Sherri Messenger of Indiana; sister-in-law Julie Messenger of Keota; sister-in-law, Martha (Ron) Marsh of Wayland; brother-in-law, Daniel Unternahrer of Indiana; and brother-in-law, Clarence Unternahrer of Ainsworth; along with several nieces and nephews. Phianna was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles and Donald Messenger; and sister, Betty Reighard.

Phianna Unternahrer

May 2, 1944 - February 11, 2025