Amanda Lynne Wilken

Amanda Lynne Wilken, 23, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away suddenly October 11, 2018.

Amanda was born June 29, 1995 to Jeanine Flies (Schwarte) and Marty Wilken in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up and attended school in Norwalk, Iowa, and graduated with honors in 2013. After high school, Amanda attended Drake University as a pre-pharmacy major to pursue her long held ambition to be a pharmacist. Amanda’s goals were realized when she was accepted into the Drake Pharmacy/MBA program. Amanda was on track to graduate from Drake with her doctorate in Pharmacy and MBA in May 2019. After graduation, Amanda aspired to work with mental health patients at the VA Hospital in Des Moines. She was a gifted and accomplished student who, while attending Drake, found a community of friends, professors, and colleagues she adored as well as a career she was passionate about.

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Amanda was also involved in a number of co-curricular activities. She was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority, the National Association of Women MBA’s, and the American Public Health Association. Amanda was also a 2016 graduate of the Adams Leadership Academy and was committed to being a model servant leader. Amanda will continue to exemplify her desire to serve through her selfless gift of organ donation. Amanda’s kind heart and beautiful smile drew so many people to her. Her friends were part of her, and she a part of them. Her passing will forever hold a lasting memory in the hearts of so many who knew her and called her their friend.

Amanda, despite her busy school and social calendar, was also an avid animal lover. Her chocolate lab, Riggins, was a source of true happiness for her.

Amanda is survived by her mother and step-father, Jeanine and John Flies, her father and step-mother, Marty and Cary Wilken; her step-brothers and sister, Zach (Haley) Flies, Laura (Kevin Fravel) Flies, and Quentin Thomsen; her grandparents, Richard and Myrna Schwarte, Merle and Judy Wilken; her aunts, Anne (Alan) Loew, Lori (Gregg) Oeser, Sherri Grothe, and Joni Wilken; her uncles, Rick Schwarte, Matt (Janice) Wilken, and Mike (Laura) Wilken; as well as 15 first cousins. She was preceded in death by her uncle, Joe Grothe.

Amanda’s passing was far too soon. But, no matter how short her time here, she left a mark on so many in a profound and beautiful way. We are all better for having known her and loved her and will forever miss her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266 from 5-8 pm, with a prayer service at 7 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 18 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266 at 11 am.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print