Malinda Preston

Malinda Preston, 82, of Central City, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with burial beside her late husband, Mike, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, assisted the family.

Malinda was born April 16, 1944, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the daughter of Mabel (Lanam) Peters. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School. Malinda married the love of her life, Michael “Mike” Don Preston in Oklahoma, on November 6, 1994. She worked for many years in the meatpacking industry but was most proud of her work as manager for Carver Ace Hardware. Malinda loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing, sitting on the porch, watching the wildlife, and entertaining family and friends around the campfire. She was a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes fan and remained one through and through.

Survivors include her beloved fur baby, Bandit; her children, Wayne Mantz of Denver, Colorado, Steve (Kathie) Mantz of Waxahachie, Texas, Michelle (Scott) Burkhart of Cedar Rapids, Gary (Brandi) Mantz of Keller, Texas, and Michael (JoAnna) Mantz of Cedar Rapids; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bill Peters of Marshalltown, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years and the love of her life, Mike Preston; her parents; and her siblings, Milly Schriner and Dean Peters.

Memorials may be directed to The Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, 315 18th Avenue, Hiawatha, Iowa 52233.