NASHUA — Myla Lorraine Timmer, 98, of Nashua, died October 12, 2026, at Heritage Care Center in Mason City, two days before her 99th birthday. Her nearly century-long life included a romance that began at a dance, four decades at Salsbury Labs and an unforgettable lottery wheel spin that sent her home with $50,000.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory–Olson Chapel, 319 Main St., in Nashua. Friends may greet the family at the funeral home from noon until the service begins.
Inurnment will follow the service at Sunnyside Memorial Gardens in Charles City.
Myla was born October 14, 1927, in Nashua, the daughter of Clarence and Doris (Johnston) Jensen. She grew up in the community and graduated from Nashua High School, beginning a life grounded in family, friendships and the familiar surroundings of her hometown.
A dance brought Myla together with Fred Timmer of Frederika. Letters helped them stay connected, and they began formally dating after he returned from military service. They married October 4, 1953, at First Congregational Church in Nashua.
Their life together was built around companionship and loyalty. Those who knew Myla described a dependable, gracious woman whose quiet manner helped others feel welcome.
Myla devoted 40 years to her work at Salsbury Labs. Away from the job, she enjoyed crocheting, occasional time at the river and many hours at the country club.
One trip to Des Moines gave her a story worth telling for years.
Selected to spin an Iowa Lottery prize wheel, Myla arrived wearing a purple shirt — the same color as the wheel’s highest-prize spot. When her turn came, the wheel landed on purple. She left with a $50,000 check and a memory that became a colorful highlight of her long life.
Alongside that extraordinary moment were the everyday pleasures that meant so much to her: time with family, lasting friendships and the life she shared with Fred.
Myla is survived by her brother, Paul (Barb) Jensen of Mason City, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents, Clarence and Doris; and her brothers, Don (Garland) Jensen and Charles (Ada Jane) Jensen.
Family and friends may offer condolences, share memories and read Myla’s obituary through Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, which is handling arrangements through its Olson Chapel in Nashua.
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