Wendy C. Waugaman
June 18, 2012
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Service Details
Wendy C. Waugaman, formerly of Humboldt and West Des Moines, IA went home to be with God on Monday, June 18, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer for the past 2 years. She was born on September 13, 1960 in Vermillion, SD to Terry and Verdell Carlson.
Wendy married Lou Waugaman on January 9, 2010. She was president and chief executive officer of American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, and also served as a member of American Equity’s board of directors. She joined American Equity in June 1999 as chief financial officer and general counsel. Prior to joining American Equity, she served as outside corporate counsel for the company from its inception in 1995. Wendy was previously a partner in the firm of Whitfield and Eddy, P.L.C., Des Moines, IA, where she practiced law from 1985 until June 1999. She is also a certified public accountant.
Wendy served on the board of trustees of Buena Vista University, was president of the Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation board of trustees, was president of the Federation of Iowa Insurers and she served on numerous community boards. She received her B.S.B.A. (magna cum laude) from Drake University and a J.D. degree from Notre Dame Law School.
Wendy gave of her time and resources generously. Along with her husband they established the Lou and Wendy Waugaman Fund which supports many youth, cultural and arts organizations.
In addition to her professional accomplishments and philanthropic activities, Wendy enjoyed playing the piano, participating in triathlons, cooking, reading, and travel.
Wendy is survived by her husband, Lou Waugaman, of Waukee, IA; father, Terry (Kay) Carlson of Lake Shore, MN; step-daughters, Brooke Waugaman, Kelsey Waugaman and Andria Oordt of Des Moines, IA; brother, Jim (Kelly) Howard of Humboldt, IA; sisters, Nicole (Jesse) Crum of Newton, IA and Jennifer Carlson of Worcester, MA; and granddaughter, Noel Richardson of Des Moines, IA. She was preceded in death by her mother, Verdell Carlson.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines. Burial will follow at Waukee Cemetery.
The strength and beauty with which she has impacted our community and so many lives will continue to reach far, wide and deep.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Bright Foundation. Online condolences may be directed to: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Craig Sclafane
11/27/2012
I had the honor to be Ms Carlson's driver when she came to the NYC area on business and pleasure. She was a wonderful person and I am so glad I was able to meet her. My condolences to her husband and family. God Bless her.
Garry Collins
06/25/2012
Wendy was a gifted person who in turn, gifted others. Having worked in finance for years, there is only one CEO of a major company that ever paid me a personal visit in my Louisville, Kentucky office...it was Wendy. My staff and myself...we will never forget it. Thank you Wendy, for all you did and all you meant. You have left the world a better place indeed!
Kim
06/22/2012
I only got the opportunity to meet her once, but it was a great meeting. I am a recipient of the Wendy Waugaman Women Leadership and Development Award at BVU and am really appreciative to have been chosen and to have been able to to attend a luncheon with her. She was incredibly intelligent and in that short time I could tell she was a great role model for myself as well as others. It was a shock to learn of this event and my deepest sympathies go towards her friends and family.
Verne Newton
06/22/2012
Terry,
I was shocked and saddened to learn about Wendy. I talked to her several times early in her legal career and had followed her remarkable accomplishments.
Your loss will be felt by many.
Verne Newton
Bradford Place Townhouse Association
06/21/2012
We remember with fondness our neighbor Wendy Carlson and mourn her passing. Our deepest symparhy to all of Wendy's loved ones.
Pete Heimdahl
06/21/2012
To Lou, Wendys relatives, and her American Equity Family,
I dont think the words exist that can express the shock and deep sorrow I felt upon learning of Wendys untimely death.
I have known Wendy for many years, and I cant think of another person who garners more widespread respect and admiration, both professionally and personally.
The combination of her razor sharp intellect and her unbending ethical principles made her a formidable attorney and businessperson. The fact that she was unflappable, kind, gracious, and possessed a very pleasant personality only added to her effectiveness as a leader.
Wendy was an accomplished athlete. We went on quite a few bicycle rides together and I was hard pressed to keep up with her. She had a stainless steel backbone, too. On one memorable bike ride in a remote area, we were forced to pedal through thunderous heavy rain for two hours. Miserably soaking wet and chilled to the bone, Wendy never once complained (although I did!).
The world has lost one of its finest. To Wendys devastated family and associates, I wish I could find something comforting to say, but I cant. However, I believe that Wendys wonderful works and graciousness will live on and she will continue to inspire us to become better people.
Kevin C. McCarthy (Ormond Beach FL)
06/21/2012
My deepest symathies to Wendy's family. I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times, but she struck me as a first class person; very kind, extremely smart, and down to earth. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Julie Goodman
06/21/2012
Lou I am sorry to hear about your loss, I never met Wendy however she sounded like she was a wonderful lady and I am sad that I did not have the chance to meet her. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Duane & Marilyn Marcellus
06/21/2012
To Terry & Kay and family of Wendy, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We only hope the memories and thoughts of the remarkable legacy she has created will comfort you all. We'll be thinking of you. (From: Humboldt School Friends of Terry)
Carl Davis
06/21/2012
Lou, her family and American Equity my prayers are with you all. Wendy was a great person and I enjoyed working with her. My favorite memory of Wendy was when we biked during Burr Run together.
Mike & Phyllis Dressander
06/21/2012
Lou and the entire American Equity family - Phyllis and I are deeply saddened by Wendy's passing. We have so many great memories of her. She was a very special person that we considered a friend. We feel lucky to have had her in our lives. Hold on to your memories and try to remember the good times. God bless everyone.
Margaret Dixon
06/21/2012
Wendy possessed extraordinary beauty and strength and blessed so many lives with her love, leadership and generosity. She is an amazing role model for girls and women and her legacy with live on through them. It was a privilege to know her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Humboldt High School Class of 78
06/20/2012
The Humboldt High School Class of 1978 is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and classmate, Wendy. She will be greatly missed and our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and loved ones.
Z3 Youth and Junior Triathlon Team
06/20/2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tiffany Walker - American Equity
06/20/2012
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Wendy is an inspiration to us all and is going to be greatly missed. Such an amazing woman and leader.