Denise Marie Etchen, 72, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Granger Nursing Center. A burial service will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Resthaven Cemetery, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines. Please assemble at McLaren's Chapel with the family before proceeding to the gravesite.
Denise was born September 14, 1952, in Winterset, Iowa, to Dorothy and Winton Etchen. She was the oldest of five children. Denise graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines in 1970, where she became a star women’s six-on-six basketball player. She scored 47 points in the Valley vs Southeast Polk game on December 5, 1969, to help win the game 76-60. She went on to Iowa State University where she received her B.S. in Food and Nutrition in 1974 and her M.S. in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management in 1987. She worked in the food industry field for many years. Denise also worked with her family at Iowa Orchard in Urbandale, at one time becoming the family’s primary pie maker. Denise’s family best remembers her love of her cat Camille, her love of sewing and cooking, and her strong sense of independence.
Denise is survived by her siblings Mark (Becky) Etchen, Kyla (David) Rodgers, Michelle (Tim) Landry, and Bryan (Anastasiia) Etchen; her nieces and nephews Bryce Rodgers, Brynja (Shea) Thompson, Sabrina Rodgers, and Grace Landry; and her great-nephews Wylder, Oakes, and baby #3 Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family wishes to make note of the loving care provided by Granger Nursing and Gentiva Hospice. They made a difference.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, in honor of her dad.
