Brian Linn Cole

Brian Linn Cole was born on May 3, 1959, in Albert Lea, Minnesota as the youngest of three children to Eldon and Irene Cole. Brian’s mother led him to the Lord at a very young age and his family was always involved in church. As a teenager, he reaffirmed his faith in Jesus while attending Bible camp.

After graduating from Albert Lea High School, Brian went on to attend Iowa State University, earning a degree in business in 1981. It was there that he met Marla Jones, and it was love at first sight. They were engaged (after only four dates!) and married on June 16, 1979, and his devotion to her only grew with time. They were blessed with three remarkable children, who were truly his pride and joy, and Brian never missed an opportunity to brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Nothing made Brian happier than being a father, and later, a grandfather. He encouraged, advocated for, and supported his children. They will forever remember watching funny movies, family camping trips, doing house projects together, and getting advice over the phone. As a grandfather, Brian was intentional about spending quality time with each of his precious grandchildren, whether it was going for coffee, making popcorn, reading books, or playing Legos.

While still a young family, Brian and Marla felt called to bring the word of God to West Des Moines, Iowa, and were instrumental in founding Valley Church on March 4, 1990. Throughout Brian’s life, Valley Church remained near and dear to his heart, and his involvement in the church would end up changing the trajectory of Brian’s life and career, while also impacting an untold number of people who have been touched by the ministry of Valley Church and Valley Community Center.

Brian began his career fresh out of college as a claims adjuster trainee at IMT Insurance Company in 1981, where he worked until 1999 when he stepped down from his role as Vice President of Personal Lines Underwriting to purchase Brooks-Lussem Insurance Agency. Brian’s diligent hard work and uncompromising integrity led to professional success and crossed over to all facets of his life. It was during this period of his life that Brian began serving on several boards within the church at the local, district, and national level. This servant-leadership eventually led to Brian and Marla being called by God to sell their insurance agency and begin working full time at the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) ReachGlobal in 2006. God subsequently blessed them with dear friends from all around the world.

Brian was humbled by the grace of God for the ministry opportunities that he had in his various leadership roles at the EFCA, and he was grateful for every day he was able to serve God in that way. His last role with the EFCA was the Executive Vice President of Ministries. It is evident to those that love him that God used everything Brian had done in his career and ministry to prepare him for his final chapter.

Brian was diagnosed with a terminal, slow growing cancer in 2017, which led to an early retirement. Brian and Marla cherished this time together and were able to spend lots of quality time with family despite his declining health. Knowing that his time was limited, Brian poured himself into his relationships with his children, his grandchildren, and his friends. His unfailing faith in Christ despite the hardships associated with his declining health was his final ministry, and an inspiration to all who knew him.

Brian passed from this home to his eternal home in the presence of his family on October 25, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Marla, his children Douglas (Mirinda), Daniel (CJ), Danae (Stephen); his grandchildren Jonathan and Andrew Cole, Claire and Matthew June; his sister Barbara (Paul), and his brother Bradley (Melissa). He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Eldon and Irene.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, Iowa followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually by clicking the link. CLICKHERE

Memorial contributions may be directed to Valley Church (see link to the below left) in accordance with Brian’s wishes to support the ministry of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the community of West Des Moines and beyond.

Print