The ISBA honors those in the legal community who have passed on.
Paula J. Feltner died at home at Scottish Rite Park on April 3 at age 79. She was born Nov. 29, 1946, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, to Joseph and Joanne Feltner. Her husband of 52 years, Michael K. Eberle, DVM, preceded her in death in September 2020. Paula grew up in Pinedale, Wyoming, where her parents homesteaded and her father worked for the Forest Service. She attended the University of Wyoming, earning a B.S. in political science, and later pursued doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky. She taught political science at Luther College before helping establish a caucus staff system for the Iowa House of Representatives and later serving as director of the House Republican caucus. In 1983, she entered Drake University Law School’s new part-time program and graduated with honors in 1986. She joined the firm of Beving, Swanson and Forest, became a partner, and in 1990 co-founded Feltner & Heller, which became one of Iowa’s premier legal and lobbying practices. Among her proudest achievements was securing ongoing state funding for Iowa Legal Aid and pensions for Iowa police personnel. She was inducted into the Iowa Pioneer Lawmakers in 2011 and retired from legal practice in 2020. Paula also gave generously of her time through community and park board service. In 2024, she moved to Scottish Rite Park, where she quickly became an active member of the community. She will be remembered for her warmth, loyalty and steadfast support of family and friends.
Earl Barrett Kavanaugh of Ames and Des Moines died on April 13 at the age of 45. Earl grew up in Appleton, WI. He attended Lawrence University in Appleton and graduated in 2003. He was active in Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, serving a term as its president. Earl moved to Iowa to attend Drake University Law School, graduating with honors in 2007. Two years later, he joined the law firm of Harrison & Dietz-Kilen, PLC as a family law attorney, where he remained for the rest of his career. He was a senior attorney, managing the firm at the time of his death. Earl was a fierce advocate for his clients. Outside of the office, he relished his home and spent countless hours turning his yard into a bird sanctuary and habitat for native plants. He also loved traveling, and animals, especially his cats. He was a philanthropist and collector of antiques, artwork, and pottery. Earl is survived by his spouse, Shane Kavanaugh of Portland, Oregon.
Robert W. Seery (Bobby), 85, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 7. Born April 5, 1941, he grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School. He attended the University of Iowa, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law. Bob served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, stationed in Alaska. He and his wife, Jonnie, made their home in Norwalk, Iowa, for many years before later moving to Scottsdale. He built a distinguished career as an attorney and was a member of the Iowa bar for 50 years. He married Jonnie Myers on Aug. 25, 1962. Together they shared 63 years of marriage and raised three daughters. He was a loyal Iowa Hawkeyes fan and enjoyed traveling, especially to Paris. He valued friendship and time with family.
Donald L. Smith, 94, passed away at his home in Ames, Iowa, on April 11. He was born Dec. 16, 1931, in Iowa City to Merrill W. Smith and Alice (Crawford) Smith and often credited his upbringing as an Iowa farm boy for the values that shaped his life. He graduated from Nichols High School in 1950 and Iowa State College in 1954, then served as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. In 1957, he began his career as an intelligence officer with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C., and later earned his Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. He married Karleene Wade on Oct. 4, 1957. After his admission to the Iowa bar in 1962, he joined an Ames law firm and practiced for 34 years before retiring in 1997 from Smith, Sharp, Benson, Jahn & Feilmeyer. During his legal career, he handled many matters of public interest, including representing Iowa State University in arbitration that affirmed the football series with the University of Iowa for 1979 through 1982. In retirement, he remained active in American Kennel Club agility competition with his Belgian Tervuren dogs, Chase and Tina. He regarded his as a good life.
To further an ISBA member’s legacy, memorial contributions can be made to the Iowa State Bar Foundation in their honor by visiting iabarfoundation.org/memorial-contribution
