Francis Owusu Anokye

Francis Owusu Anokye (Yaw or Nana Anokye), 41, passed away on January 31, 2025, at EveryStep Kavanagh House, Des Moines. Francis was born June 9, 1983, in Ghana to Robert Yaw Owusu and Felicia Asante. He moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to join his wife about seven years ago. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and the Ghana Catholic Community at Granger Assumption Catholic Church. 

After high school at Adu Gyamfi SHS in Ghana, Francis proceeded to the College of Nursing, Holy Family Hospital, and Ghana City University College (Kumasi) for his BS in Nursing. His interest in teaching earned him a B. Ed in Education from the University of Education, Winneba (Mampong Campus). He received a Master of Public Health from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana). 

In Ghana, Francis worked as a nurse at St Mathias Hospital (Yeji), Ejura Government Hospital (Ejura), and Jamasi Clinic (Jamasi). Additionally, he was a tutor at Premium Nursing College (Kumasi), where he exhibited his passion for teaching nursing students. 

In the US, Francis worked as a nurse with Everystep, Edge Water, Clive Behavior, and MercyOne, where he exhibited a great sense of teamwork, passion for patient care, and a love for nursing work to the admiration of many. Until his passing, he worked with the Department of Inspection and Appeals, State of Iowa.

Francis is survived by his wife of 19 years, Eunice Owusu Anokye; children (Cathy Owusu Anokye, Roberta Owusu Anokye and Barbara Owusu Anokye); Brothers and sisters (Rev. Mark Owusu, James Owusu Fosu, Desmond Antwi, Emmanuel Boateng, Selina Owusu Pokuah, Mavis Frimpong and Akua Addai) and a host of other loving family members and friends. Francis was preceded in death by his dad. 

 The burial and funeral rites in the US will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025. There will be a visitation from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at St Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center (1150 28th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311, on Drake University Campus) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm. Francis will be laid to rest at Beaver Catholic Cemetery (19283 T Ave. Dallas Center, IA 50063) after the funeral Mass. 

The Family will gather for the celebration of life after the burial from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm at 400 NW Lakeshore Dr. Ankeny, IA 50023.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Francis. You can reach the family at 515-505-6847.