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Cathy A Custer

Cathy A Custer

Jan 28, 2026

Catherine A. Custer, age 67, of West Des Moines, Iowa; passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Cathy's obituary is currently being created.  Please check back later.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Cathy's final arrangements.

Ružica Ćejvan

Ružica Ćejvan

Jan 24, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ružica Ćejvan, who left this world on January 24, 2026, in Boone, Iowa. Born on October 14, 1944, in Zagreb, Croatia, Ružica graced the lives of those around her with unparalleled kindness and warmth.

For thirty remarkable years, Ružica dedicated herself to the art of teaching as a Middle School...

Kent Mason Forney

Kent Mason Forney

Jan 21, 2026

Kent Forney left on his last fishing trip on January 21, 2026. There will be no funeral services.

He attended the University of Iowa where his education was interrupted by his service in the Army. Upon discharge, he returned to complete his education at the Law School where he received a JD with distinction in 1958.

He began the practice with Bradshaw,...

Thomas G. Champion

Thomas G. Champion

Jan 16, 2026

Thomas G. Champion, age 74, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 in Urbandale, Iowa.

A private family graveside service will be held at Waukee Cemetery, Waukee, Iowa. A celebration of Thomas' life will be held at a later date.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with Thomas' final arrangements.

Mark Allen Hanke

Mark Allen Hanke

Jan 12, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mark Allen Hanke, aged 70, who departed this life on January 12, 2026.

Mark lived a life rooted in love for his family and community, service to his country and a deep appreciation for humor. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served during the closing years of the Vietnam...

Joy Lynn Gibbs

Joy Lynn Gibbs

Jan 10, 2026

Joy Lynn Gibbs, age 83 of Des Moines, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA.

Joy's obituary is currently being created. Please check back later.

A joint graveside service for Joy and her late husband Ellis will be held at the Sharon Cemetery at a date to be yet determined.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation...

Charles Anthony Miller

Charles Anthony Miller

Jan 3, 2026

Charles Anthony Miller, affectionately known as Chuck, passed away on January 3, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born on November 22, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa. Chuck lived a life dedicated to service and family, marked by his commitment as a retired veteran and his career as an industrial worker.

A proud member of the U.S. Army, Chuck served with...

Edward A Leonard

Edward A Leonard

Dec 17, 2025

Edward Arlen Leonard, 69, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida due to complications following a stroke.

Ed was born on January 26, 1956 in Des Moines, Iowa to Dale Arlen Leonard and Patricia Lou (Swallow) Leonard. He was the second oldest child of ten children, raised in Waukee, Iowa except for a time as...

Marvin Richard Wengerd

Marvin Richard Wengerd

Dec 14, 2025

Marvin Richard Wengerd, a devoted father, son and sibling, passed away on December 14, 2025, at the age of 67, at his home in Waukee, Iowa. Born on November 29, 1958, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Marvin embarked on a journey that would span decades, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew and loved him.

Upon completing his education at West Virginia...

Mervin Bommel

Mervin Bommel

Dec 14, 2025

Mervin “Pa” Dean Bommel, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Waukee on December 14, surrounded by the family he loved with his whole heart. Pa lived in Waukee for 63 years, and during that time he quietly and consistently showed everyone what it meant to be a good man. He was the kind of husband, dad, grandpa, brother,...

Marlene Frieda Wilkerson

Marlene Frieda Wilkerson

Dec 13, 2025

Marlene Frieda Wilkerson, born on April 23, 1950, in Denison, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Marlene dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse, working with Adolescent Mental Health, Mercy First Step, and Drug and Alcohol Recovery. Her professional journey was marked not only by her skills and proficiency but...

Calley Ann Cortez-Cox

Calley Ann Cortez-Cox

Dec 10, 2025

Calley Cortez-Cox, 45, of Des Moines, Iowa, died Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa.

Calley was born October 10, 1980, in Simi Valley, California, the daughter of Walter and Jodi McBride Cortez.  She was a graduate of Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa.  On May 15, 2025, she married Bradley...

Diego Rodolfo Posadas

Diego Rodolfo Posadas

Dec 10, 2025

Diego Rodolfo Posadas, a beloved son, brother, and grandson, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He was 19 years old.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 31, 2006, Diego was a lifelong resident of Waukee and was cherished by his large and loving family. After a rough start and 30 days in the NICU he was sent home...

Mitchell Marovets

Mitchell Marovets

Nov 18, 2025

Mitchell Gene Marovets, born on July 17, 1984, in West Union, Iowa, passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Iowa, on November 18, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother, known for his warmth, passion, and tireless work ethic.

Mitchell graduated from MFL MarMac High School in 2002 and continued his education at Iowa State University, where he earned...

John Polihronis

John Polihronis

Nov 18, 2025

John T. Polihronis, Jr. passed away on November 18, 2025, in Urbandale, Iowa, at the age of 56. Born on April 23, 1969, in Gary, Indiana, John grew up in Lowell, Indiana, before making his way to Chicago and Arlington Heights, and most recently settling in Urbandale.

John was a graduate of Indiana State University, where he earned a Bachelor of...

Ellis Eugene Gibbs

Ellis Eugene Gibbs

Oct 24, 2025

Ellis Eugene Gibbs, affectionately known as Butch, passed away on October 24, 2025, in Corydon, Iowa, the place of his birth on May 28, 1937. He resided in Des Moines for his entire life, where he was known not only for his dedication to his career but also for his vibrant personality and passion for life.

Butch’s professional journey began with...

Joyce Marie Bridger

Joyce Marie Bridger

Oct 24, 2025

We come together to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Joyce Marie Potter Bridger, who passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, October 24, 2025. Joyce was born on July 5, 1945, in Leon, Iowa, to Wilfred (Jack) and Betty Potter. As the eldest of four children, she naturally took on the role of leader...

Paulette Grace Suffel

Paulette Grace Suffel

Oct 18, 2025

Paulette Grace Suffel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on October 18, 2025, at her home in Waukee, Iowa. Born on September 13, 1948, in Lake City, Iowa, Paulette's journey began in a world that she would come to enrich with her warmth, spirit, and love.

Growing up on a farm outside of Lidderdale, she was molded...

Mary Ann Lowary

Mary Ann Lowary

Oct 18, 2025

Mary Ann Lowary (Akers) – Waukee, IA passed away at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City, IA on October 18, 2025, after a short illness.

Mary Ann was born on March 16, 1942, on the Akers’ family farm in Albany, Missouri. She grew up in Albany, the youngest of four children of William Correll (W.C., Carl) and Eunice (Kidwell)...

William "Bill" Glenn Flesch

William "Bill" Glenn Flesch

Oct 12, 2025

William Glenn Flesch was born on April 9, 1966, in Muscatine, Iowa. Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away on October 12, 2025, at the EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to education and family.

Bill devoted 33 years of his life to teaching, serving as a Middle School Science Teacher at May...