Denise Joan Van Wyk

Denise Joan Van Wyk, 72, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on July 12, 2026, at Valley View Village.

Denise was born on December 1, 1953, in Pella, Iowa, to Ralph Hollis and Joan Aileen (Prunty) Van Wyk. She earned her bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and built a career with both the Des Moines Register and Principal Financial Group.

Although Denise never married, she built a life rich with family, friendships, and creativity. She had a kind and gentle spirit and found joy in making beautiful things with her hands. She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. Whether creating handmade quilts for loved ones or knitting gifts for family and friends, each project reflected the love and care she poured into everything she did.

Denise also had a passion for flowers and gardening. She delighted in the beauty of blooming flowers and took great pride in caring for them. Denise also loved animals and rescued several dogs and cats from local shelters throughout her life.

Family meant everything to Denise. She treasured the time she spent with her son, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, siblings, and extended family, creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Denise is survived by her son, Evan (Tracy) Van Wyk; her grandchildren, Tyler (Emily) Hobbs, Noah Van Wyk, and Braden Van Wyk; her great-granddaughter, Mila Hobbs; her siblings, Jim (Marla) Van Wyk, Sharon (Dwight) Miller, and Janice (Tom) Davis; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Joan Van Wyk and both of her grandparents, Ben and Irma Nelle Van Wyk, and John and Margaret Prunty.

Denise will be remembered for her creativity, her caring heart, her love of family, and the beautiful handmade gifts that will continue to remind her loved ones of her warmth and generosity.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:30AM, at Monroe Presbyterian Church, 115 S Main Street, Monroe, IA 50170. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to AHeinz57 Animal Rescue, of DeSoto, Iowa, in Denise's memory.