Callie Rose Lisa Derflinger

Callie Rose Lisa Derflinger was born in Sioux City, Iowa. She passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at the age of 35.

Callie grew up in Sioux City as a fearless, competitive girl, playing sports like soccer and running cross-country, hiking in the nearby hills, and exploring “Frankie’s Eye.” Callie was extremely close with not only her immediate family, but her extended family as well. She served on the student council and National Honor Society, and she participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Callie was active in her church youth groups and went on several mission trips to Mexico and throughout the United States. She was homecoming queen and valedictorian when she graduated from West High School in 2004. Callie played soccer throughout her college career, attending Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa and Grandview College in Des Moines, Iowa, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Callie served with the Lutheran Volunteer Corp for one year as a nurse at Bread of Healing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following her service there, Callie was coaxed by her brother, Jesse, into moving to Des Moines to work in the emergency department at Mercy West Lakes Hospital. It was there where she met the man whom she would quickly learn was her soulmate, Dustin Derflinger. Dustin and Callie married in 2012.

Callie and Dustin loved to travel, and they visited many cities and countries during their early years of marriage. They were inseparable and enjoyed spending time with their family and friends, running in theme-costumed races, and cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones at almost every home football game. They were often accompanied by their late dog, Riley, and, later, Ruby. In 2013, she obtained her Master of Science in Nursing from Creighton University. She then began working as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Mercy West, in Clive and then Mercy Quick Care. She treasured the relationships she developed throughout her career.

Between 2017-2020, Callie and Dustin welcomed into the world the lights of their lives, their children: twins Josh and Este, Jonny, and Isla-Baby. Callie’s family was her entire world, and she transitioned from healthcare professional to professional mother. She spent her minutes, days, and life serving her babies and her love, and she did it so well. Her children and Dustin were her proudest accomplishments. While Dustin worked to provide for the family, Callie was often seen out and about with four children in tow, wearing one while the other three walked, rode in a stroller, or hung onto shopping carts. So many were in awe, those that knew her as well as those that only witnessed this. Nobody knew how she had the energy to do so much, including Dustin. He and many that knew her referred to her as “Super Momma.” She was inspiring to many. Her love and tender care are reflected in her children and will be forever, and the love she and Dustin shared was palpable.

If you didn’t know Callie, we’re so sorry. She was the kindest, most compassionate, dependable, and encouraging human. Callie was determined and confident, yet gentle and intuitive. She just cared and loved so much. Many have reached out sharing their stories of how she touched their lives, brightened their moments, and brought them such joy.

Callie loved planning parties, spending time and “date-nights” with Dustin, bringing meals to people, playing with her children, updating her home, sewing quilts, and so much more. If you were lucky enough to laugh hard with her, you would enjoy a snort or two mixed in.

Callie is survived by the love of her life, Dustin Derflinger; her four beautiful children, Joshua Wilder, Este Rose, Jonathan Danger, and Isla Grace; her parents, Terry Christensen and Heidi Smith; grandmother, Norma Smith; sister, Summer (Michael) Amman; brother, Jesse (Kristi) Christensen; father- and mother-in-law, David and Terri Derflinger; brother-in-law, Dana (Janice) Derflinger; sister-in-law, Tia (Adam) Derflinger; brother-in-law, Devin Derflinger; and six nieces and nephews, Asher Amman, Isaac Christensen, Haven Amman, Levi Christensen, Dawson Derflinger, and Dillon Derflinger. Callie was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Glenn Smith; and paternal grandparents, Vernon and Jean Christensen.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 4, 2021 at NorthPoint Church, 9901 NW 62nd Ave. Johnston, IA 50131. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266. The service will be live streamed at the following link:

Callie Derflinger Service

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for the care and education of Callie and Dustin’s children. In the same way that Callie was always giving and helping others, she was able to continue giving to others through tissue donation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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