Joanne Cutler

Joanne Cutler, 92, died peacefully on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, with a lunch at the church following.  A private burial took place prior to the service at Resthaven Cemetery.

Joanne was born on April 30, 1932 in Des Moines to Charles and Arlene (Baie) Staker. She attended Lincoln High School, where she was the valedictorian of her graduating class. Joanne met her husband Bob at First United Methodist Church while both were in high school. After high school, Joanne went to Cornell College and Bob transferred there two years later. The two were married before their senior year, and upon graduation returned to Des Moines to raise a beautiful family (and many Labradors).

Jo was an avid community volunteer beginning at her kids’ schools, and then at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. Later she volunteered extensively at Blank Children’s Hospital. In 1984 Joanne chaired the first Festival of Trees and Lights to raise money for Blank Children’s Hospital. The far-reaching impact of this event was something that she (and her family) were always very proud of.  When Jo and Bob moved to Clear Lake, Jo helped start a similar event benefitting One Vision (which supports individuals with disabilities), in her new town.

Joanne loved plants and flowers! Whether at her home in Des Moines, Clear Lake or Florida she worked tirelessly to beautify the area with her plantings. In past years at Clear Lake, she volunteered at the City Park and Central Gardens. At 5:00 a.m. on most summer mornings she could be found watering the many hanging flower baskets along Main Street in Clear Lake (and somehow wrangling her friends to help!).  

Arguably, her most memorable legacy was her big smile, welcoming personality and boundless energy which she used to make the world a better place. She made everyone feel like family, never hesitating to welcome crowds of teenagers into her home, and determined to mark the height of each one on the “family” yardstick that still hangs on the wall of the cabin. Many will remember her bottomless jar of gumdrops, her love of bright colored helium balloons, the pinatas (for any occasion), her special “Gigi Crackers” and her always stylish wardrobe.

Joanne’s faith was steadfast, and an important part of her life. She was an active member of First Methodist Church in Des Moines for many years, followed by Clear Lake Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. More recently she attended, and joined Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.  

Jo was a loyal friend to many in Des Moines, Florida and Clear Lake; friends that she cherished. She will undoubtedly be missed by her very special pals. And last, to her family, she offered unconditional support and love, and for that we were so blessed!  

Joanne was truly a force of nature. Her life was full and rich, and her death leaves a big hole in our family and in our community.  We celebrate her life with cherished memories of the times we had together, and all that she taught us along the way. We were lucky to be a part of her tribe!

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; daughter, Lynne, and grandson Charlie. Survivors include her son, Chuck (Diane); daughter Lauri (Jim) Garvey; grandchildren John (Gretta), Scott (Molly), Peter (Kiley), Jack, and Kendall; and six great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Bennett, June, Louise, Hank and Wilbur Cutler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charlie Cutler Healing and Wellness Endowment, at John Stoddard Cancer Center (1415 Woodland Avenue Suite E200, Des Moines, Iowa 50309). https://give.unitypoint.org/campaign/575144/donate