Anna Marie (Sheri) Krpan

Anna Marie (Sheri) Krpan, age 68, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on July 28th, 2023 at EveryStep Kavanagh House.

She was born the daughter of Esther (Law) Crowell and Wayne Backstrom on August 10th, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa. She was raised and lived most of her life in the Des Moines area before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from Ankeny High School and then attended college. During her youth, she worked many jobs and helped care for her four younger siblings. She met her husband, Larry Krpan, on April 17th, 1974 and they married on August 27th, 1977. They enjoyed forty-nine years together and have one child, Lauren.

She worked most of her life with her husband in his law practice and was very dedicated and hard working until shortly before her passing. They were partners in every sense of the word. She loved hosting family get-togethers for holidays and other special occasions. She took pride in researching family trees and put together a beautiful Krpan Family History Book. She was always grateful to be able to do things for others and her spirit and dedication was amazing. She and her husband, with other family members, were able to travel extensively. She loved planning trips and visiting Ireland, Croatia, France, Italy, and many other countries. She had a special interest in interior design and art. She was proud of the work and furnishings she had in her homes and in freely giving decorating advice to others.

She was lovingly named “Grammie”, and she was very proud of her grandchildren: Sammy (9 years), Maggie (6 years), and Annie Marie (18 months). She loved singing nursery rhymes and hearing about their days.

She loved horses and dogs; especially her sweet dogs throughout her life. She enjoyed walking, hiking, playing tennis, and golfing. She enjoyed going to movies nearly every weekend with her husband. She was very fond of classical and western movies.

She worked tirelessly all her life, and looked after family members and friends as much as she was able.

Sheri is survived by her loving husband, Larry Krpan of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter Lauren (Justin) Constable of Clive, Iowa, three grandchildren (Sammy, Maggie, and Annie Marie); her mother Esther Crowell; her siblings Becky Backstrom, Russ Backstrom, and Vernon (Jody) Backstrom; her brother-in-law Nick Krpan and family; her niece Ashley (Chris) Collinsworth; her nephew Lucas (Brooke) Krpan; and many other dear relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her step-father Donald Crowell; father, Wayne Backstrom; her brother Rodney Backstrom; and her special mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen and Steve Krpan, with whom she spent precious time.

The family expresses sincere appreciation to Dr. Tom Buroker and his staff in Iowa for their care and compassion. Also, we appreciate the care received from Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 10th, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. It will be held at Glen Oaks Country Club, 1401 Glen Oaks Dr. in West Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a donation/memorial to the church, charity, or organization of your choice.

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