Obituaries

Christopher Mershon

Christopher Mershon

Jan 20, 2026

Christopher 'Kip' Alan Mershon passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2026 surrounded by his family. Kip was born on July 27, 1966 in Illinois. The family later relocated to Polk City, Iowa. He spent his free time hunting, and keeping up with NASCAR. He is survived by his loving parents Doug and Nancy Mershon, partner Brenda Weltha, brother Scott (Brenda)...

Patricia Miller

Patricia Miller

Jan 20, 2026

Patricia Miller, 88, passed away on January 20, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Patricia Miller was born on February 18, 1937 in Des Moines, IA, to Kermit and Doris Fisher.Patricia is survived by Kelly Anderson - daughter, of Madrid and Andrew Casados - grandson.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place and no services are...

Trenton Ross Clark

Trenton Ross Clark

Jan 18, 2026

Trent Clark was born at St. Joseph's Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, and spent most of his life in Des Moines, Iowa, where he built his home filled with laughter, love, and friendship. After earning his GED, Trent pursued a career as a self-employed carpenter, a trade that allowed him to combine his creativity and strong work ethic. His craftsmanship could...

Mary Kay Rasmussen

Mary Kay Rasmussen

Jan 18, 2026

A Toast to a Life Well Lived

Celebrating the joyous life of Mary Kay Rasmussen

Defying all medical odds for as long as she could, Mary Kay Rasmussen passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 82 in Des Moines, Iowa. She died the way she lived: Peacefully and on her own terms.

Mary Kay was born Mary Catherine Brennan...

David Westlake

David Westlake

Jan 18, 2026

David Stanley Westlake was born on February 20, 1934, and passed away January 18. 2026.He is preceded in death by his parents, Reverend B.S, Westlake and Gladys (Webster) Westlake; four sisters; two brothers; his youngest daughter, Wanda (Ken) Paxson; and great-grandson, Bowen Morgan.He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eunice (Killian) Westlake; son, Wes (Kris) Westlake; daughter, Sandy...

Carol Ross

Carol Ross

Jan 17, 2026

Carol Ross passed away January 17, 2026, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 63. She was born on May 3, 1962, to her parents Jerry and Mae Rumage. She has 2 siblings Deborah (Randy) Coulter, and Michael (Darla) Rumage. She lived most of her life in Des Moines, Iowa. She received her GED from Des...

Jose Mendez

Jose Mendez

Jan 17, 2026

Jose Padron Mendez, age 78, of Des Moines, passed away on January 17, 2026.

Walter Joseph King

Walter Joseph King

Jan 16, 2026

Walter Joseph King, PhD, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Walter Joseph King was born on January 10, 1943, in Leominster, Massachusetts, the son of Walter J. King and Margaret Helena (Chesbrough) King. He was raised in Shirley, Massachusetts, with his sisters, Judy...

Leandra Stein

Leandra Stein

Jan 15, 2026

Leandra Stein, 34, passed away on January 15, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

Leandra Stein was born on March 28, 1991 in Woodruff, WI. Leandra loved her new found life and those in recovery in the Des Moines area. She had many interests among her favorites were reading, art and music.

Michael Mayfield

Michael Mayfield

Jan 14, 2026

Michael Ray Mayfield, age 70, passed away on January 14, 2026, at The Taylor House.

Mike was born on March 3, 1955, in Des Moines, to Velma and Charlie Mayfield, who preceded him in death.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Tammy Mayfield, and cherished furry companion, Macy; his brothers, Ed, Lou (Peggy), and Chuck (PJ) Mayfield; and his...

Natonya Watters

Natonya Watters

Jan 14, 2026

Natonya Watters, 51, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

Natonya Watters was born on December 19, 1974.

Mark Carman

Mark Carman

Jan 14, 2026

Mark was unfortunately afflicted with a mental illness that prevented him from living a healthy, productive life for many years. Prior to experiencing poor health issues, Mark once enjoyed motorcycle riding, horses and loved animals and will especially miss his cat, Honey. Mark was introduced to The Truth (also known as Two by Twos) several years ago by his special...

Tony Phetpriyavanh

Tony Phetpriyavanh

Jan 13, 2026

Tony Phetpriyavanh, 40, passed away on January 13, 2026.

Tony Phetpriyavanh was born on May 18, 1985 in Des Moines, IA, to Somnouk and Sangvane Phetpriyavanh.

Heather Wheeler

Heather Wheeler

Jan 13, 2026

Heather M. Wheeler, age 31, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on January 13, 2026.

Loretta Waddell

Loretta Waddell

Jan 12, 2026

Loretta Waddell, 70, passed away on January 12, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

Loretta Waddell was born on October 18, 1955 in Des Moines, IA, to John and Margaret Waddell. She liked cats, going thrifting, being out in nature, going on walks, reading, spending time with her family-especially her children. She also had a crush on Hugh Jackman, and loved...

Randall Labus

Randall Labus

Jan 12, 2026

Des Moines - Randall "Randy" L. Labus, 69, died January 12, 2026 after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. He was born April 23, 1956 in Santa Barbara, California, the son of Eugene L. and Carolyn I. (Scanlon) Labus.

A private family viewing and cremation was arranged by Simplify Cremations & Funeral, Des Moines.

The family moved back to...

Phyllis Bubendorfer

Phyllis Bubendorfer

Jan 11, 2026

Phyllis Bubendorfer, 88, passed away on January 11, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

Phyllis Bubendorfer was born on July 1, 1937 in Iowa City, IA.

Steven Blumenthal

Steven Blumenthal

Jan 11, 2026

Steven James Blumenthal, 63, of Des Moines, IA, passed away at home on January 11, 2026, surrounded by the people he loved.

Born March 22, 1962, Steven was the son of Walter and Joan Blumenthal. He lived life with his whole heart; showing his love through his actions, humor, and willingness to always be there when anyone needed him. He...

Marla Killinger

Marla Killinger

Jan 10, 2026

Marla Killinger, 78, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

Marla Killinger was born on February 27, 1947 in Waterloo, IA. Marla spent her career helping handicapped children. She was a Christian and had strong faith. Marla became pregnant at the age of 16. Her parents wanted her to put him up for adoption. However, she couldn't...

David Christaphor Earleywine

David Christaphor Earleywine

Jan 10, 2026

David Earleywine, 45, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Des Moines, IA.

David Earleywine was born on July 20, 1980 in Des Moines, IA.David was a unique and fiercely independent person . His life was tragically cut short during the pre dawn hours on Thanksgiving Day 2025. David absolutely loved nature, fishing, camping and anything to do with outside....