Jeanne M. Kirke

Jeanne Marie (McLaughlin) Kirke, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, gracefully departed this life peacefully on March 16, 2025, after a short battle with pneumonia. Surrounded by her loving children and immediate family, Jeanne departed this world as she had lived—wrapped in love, warmth, and the presence of those who cherished her.

Born in Ottawa, Illinois, to Charles and Ann McLaughlin, Jeanne was the eldest of three and came into the world with an insatiable curiosity, boundless creativity, and a flair for style. From a young age, she dreamed of the big city and adventures abroad. Inspired by her mother, a talented milliner and seamstress, Jeanne developed a lifelong love affair with fashion—an affair that would define much of her life.

She studied at St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota, and then made her way to Chicago, where she worked as a fashion model and met the love of her life, Bernard “Bud” Kirke. Together, they built a home and a family in Des Moines, filling it with love, laughter, and more than a few fabulous outfits.

In addition to raising four children, Jeanne was a tireless volunteer—leading, organizing, and fundraising for Sacred Heart Academy, Dowling Catholic High School, the Junior League of Des Moines, and other organizations. Her work with Dowling Catholic on the pancake breakfast transformed it into the major fundraising vehicle that it is today. In her “spare” time, she modeled at the Younkers Tea Room and on the Mary Jane Chinn Show on KRNT (KCCI).

Never one to sit still for long, she later opened Dressings on Fifth, a beautiful women’s boutique in Valley Junction, where she spent 22 years bringing New York, Chicago and Dallas fashions to central Iowa. With her impeccable taste and keen eye for style, Jeanne could make anyone feel like the most confident version of themselves.

Jeanne and Bud shared 49, wonderful, adventure-filled years before his passing in 2004. They were the ultimate hosts, known for their Sunday night gatherings where friends and family were always welcome. Their love of travel took them across the globe—from Africa to Bali to Morocco to Australia and beyond. If there was a bag to pack, Jeanne was ready to go.

Above all else, Jeanne was a devoted grandmother to her 11 grandchildren, always excited to get on the floor and play, tell them a great story, or slip them an extra treat when no one was looking. As her family grew, so did her joy—welcoming four great-grandchildren, each one a new delight in her life.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Thomas McLaughlin, and her beloved Bud. She is survived by her children: Michael Kirke (Linda) of Naperville, IL; Thomas Kirke of West Des Moines, IA; Carolyn Kirke Pulles (Tom) of Plymouth, MN; and John Kirke (Beth) of Greenwood Village, CO; her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Sheila Watrous of Denver, CO, along with a lifetime of dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Saturday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch in the Parish Hall. A family interment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines, St. Augustin’s Parish Des Moines, or Dowling Catholic High School.

Jeanne lived with grace, humor, a strong faith, and an unmatched sense of style. She was a creative force, a lover of beauty, and a believer in making life an occasion. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.