Gladys Marie Wahl

Gladys Marie (Jensen) Wahl, 80, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully at home December 2, 2025.

Gladys was born September 14, 1945; at the Green County Hospital in Jefferson, Iowa, the daughter of Howard H. and Mae B. (Parker) Jensen of Churdan, Iowa. In the early spring of 1948, the family moved to Redfield, Iowa where Gladys attended school.

Gladys had a creative gift and talent beyond measure, accomplishing any task she set out to do, often saying she liked to keep busy. Gladys enjoyed genealogy, learning about her ancestors and the ancestors of those she loved. In her younger years she enjoyed making cookies and candies to share with family and friends at Christmas time. Gladys made clothing for her children when they were young. Her passion for sewing bloomed exponentially when she began working countless hours making quilts for her loved ones; she also donated car loads of quilts to nursing homes, veterans' retirement communities and to many other people in need, demonstrating her loving, caring, giving spirit. Her finished quilted creations, often tallied in the hundreds per year!

Gladys was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She worked as a bartender for 30 years including over 15 years at Donna's Lounge on the south side of Des Moines where she met and later married on July 14, 1994, her husband of 31 years, John Loyal Wahl. Gladys and John enjoyed each other's company, watching movies and relaxing at home. John cared for and saw to Glady's needs to the very end.

Gladys will be deeply missed by her family. She is survived by her husband John L. Wahl; four children, from a previous marriage, Romona L. Murphy of Coffeen, Illinois, Sherry K. Norton of Dexter, Iowa, Linda L. (Gene) Libby and Keith E. Murphy of Redfield, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Colby (Rochelle) Foster, Lucas (Amanda) Hughes, Ethan and Madelyn Libby; Elizabeth, Sara, Neil (Makenzie) and Lily Murphy; Isaac (Addilie) Norton; eight great grandchildren, Audrey, Autumn, Justin, Vincent, Calee, Bridger, Josephine, and Benjamin; nephew, Randy Jensen and niece, Susan (Randy) Day.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Howard Jensen; brother, Larry Jensen; and great grandsons, Henry, Harvy and Philip Hughes.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.