Wanda Denise Hemesath

Wanda Denise Hemesath, a vibrant soul with a spunky and free spirit, passed away on July 18, 2023, at her home in Des Moines, Iowa. She was born on November 22, 1954, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Ralph and Laura Hemesath. Wanda grew up in Edgewood, Iowa, and graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School before moving to Des Moines to pursue her education at Grand View University.

Wanda was a lover of all things outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature. She found one of her ultimate joys to be biking and made a point to journey through life on her beloved bicycle. Every year that she was able, she eagerly participated in RAGBRAI. Wanda also had a keen eye for beauty and took pleasure in gardening, crocheting, and collecting unique rocks that she would later paint.

BUT above all, Wanda cherished and took delight in following all of the endeavors of her grandchildren, being their number one fan. She showered them with love and adored their company.

Wanda had a distinctive hippie personality that captured the attention of those around her. She possessed a wonderment for life that was contagious, and her free-spirited nature allowed her to cherish and share the world in a unique and vibrant way. Her long hair, often adorned with a special color, and her collection of tattoos were emblematic of her individuality.

Wanda is survived by her children, Erica (Jermaine) Parkey, Christopher Hemesath, and Phillip (Michelle) Hemesath, Her grandchildren, Arabia and Justice Parkey, and Assata and Amarra Hemesath, her nieces and nephews, Theresa (Mike) Smock, Laura Farrell, Matt Farrell, and Jess Correll, and her brother, Ralph Hemesath.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Laura Hemesath, her brother Tony Hemesath, her sister Cindy Correll, and her nephew Patrick Farrell.

A memorial service for Wanda will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory with visitation held 1 hour prior.