Penny Jean McDaniel, the daughter of Duane and LaDonna (Selby) Carlstedt, was born November 23, 1963, in Red Oak, Iowa. She passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 61 years, 2 months, and 7 days.

Penny was raised in Malvern, Iowa, where she graduated from Malvern High School. She attended college at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, earning her bachelor's degree in education. Penny's first teaching position was in western Nebraska, in a one room school. Penny was united in marriage to James McDaniel and to this union, two sons were born. Following her divorce, Penny taught for many years with the Stanton Community Schools, Stanton, Iowa, as their elementary special education teacher. Penny loved helping with after school programs in the library. She was always willing to help students succeed. Penny was also involved with church Vacation Bible School programs during the summers. She lived a life dedicated to her family, her community, and her students. Penny made a lasting impact on the lives of those she taught and helped along the way.

Penny was preceded death by her parents.

Penny is survived by her two sons: Jamie (Victoria) McDaniel of Lamoni, IA and Duane McDaniel of rural Villisca, IA; three brothers: Rodney Carlstedt, Greg Carlstedt and Eric Carlstedt; and Carol Bowen, who was like a sister and Danny Bedsworth, who was like a brother to Penny and very close with Danny's children and grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

May God bless her memory and give strength to those who mourn.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the
Little White Church at the Montgomery County History Center, Red Oak, Iowa, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

David MacDonald, Officiating

Memorials may be directed to the Kidney Foundation.

Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is assisting the family with Penny's arrangements and serving her family.