Miriam Virginia (Wonders) Machovec

Miriam Virginia (née Wonders) Machovec, 99, passed away on January 25, 2026, in Muscatine, Iowa. She was born on November 3, 1926, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the sixth and final child of Frank and Pauline (née Wakeman) Wonders.

Miriam took great pride in being one of the “Wonders of the World” and often spoke fondly of her childhood as the youngest of six, growing up on the family farm in Otho. She was proud of her role on a six-person basketball team, but spoke with particular tenderness about the close bond she shared with her sister Sylvia, whom she affectionately called “Sook.” Miriam often shared how lovingly Sook cared for her, even lending her wedding dress for Miriam’s marriage to Glenn.

She graduated from Otho Township High School in 1944. In 1942, Miriam met the love of her life, Glenn Machovec. Before Glenn left to serve in the Army Air Force during World War II, he gave Miriam a diamond ring. After weeks of being missing in action, Miriam received a call from Glenn that he was in New York City and they were to be married right away. They were united in marriage on March 21, 1945, at Kalo Church. Together, Miriam and Glenn raised three children and built a successful life as real estate developers, becoming managing owners of Wraywood Manor Apartments, Warden Plaza, and Wahkonsa Manor in Fort Dodge, as well as four nursing homes throughout Iowa.

A large part of Miriam’s legacy was her family. She poured her stories, love, and time into each one. She also took her role as a prayer warrior seriously, faithfully and boldly lifting every family member up in prayer.

Beyond the deep love and pride she held for her family was her life’s work with OneHope. She dedicated nearly 30 years to this mission, believing no adventure was too small, or too far, if it meant a way to share the Gospel. Through OneHope, she traveled to Russia, Poland, Romania, and South Africa, carrying with her an unwavering love for Jesus and for people.

Miriam lived with big ideas, and she lived them out boldly. putting her faith into action. From hosting teas for Russian teachers to creating and leading the “Granny Brigade,” because as she said “who better to hold, rock, and love orphaned babies in Africa than grannies.” She lived by the words “Just do it,” but nowhere were those words more beautifully embodied than in her years of service with OneHope.

She is survived by her daughter, Dianne (Brian) Spore; son, Kent (Katherine) Machovec; sister, Sylvia Wilson (who is 105 years young); six grandchildren, Chad (Heidi) Spore, Heather (Jon) Nelson, Andrew (Olivian) Spore, Nicholas (Josie) Machovec, Jessica (Nicholas) Holzer, and Brian (Megan) Machovec; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She will be greatly missed by her family, but they are comforted by the assurance that she is at peace and fully in the presence of Jesus, as she often said, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” They will continue to live out her legacy, carrying forward her faith, love, and the memories she so intentionally created.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn; son, James; parents, Frank and Pauline; sisters, Dorothy and Helen; brothers, Roland and Richard.

Memorial services will be held at Calvary Church 499 US-61 Muscatine, IA 52761 on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow, all welcome to attend. 

Graveside services will be held at Fort Dodge Memorial Park 3242 5th Ave South Fort Dodge, IA 50501 on February 7, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to OneHope. 

https://onehope.net/DONATE/

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