Haley K. Pueschel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our daughter, Haley Kristine Pueschel on April 12, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospitals following a year-long illness.

Haley was born on December 17, 1991, in Des Moines to Dennis Pueschel and Keely Smith. She was raised in Mitchellville and graduated from SE Polk High School. After high school, Haley worked for EMC Life Insurance Company for 14 years. During her employment at EMC, she became involved in Toastmasters. She attended the first meeting with a friend as a joke but quickly found her hidden talent for researching topics, writing speeches and public speaking.

In January of this year, she found her dream job at Prairie Vista Village in resident activities, working closely with the seniors in all levels of care. She would call bingo, supervise bean bag baseball, provide manicures and loved visiting with them one-on-one. The work she did there brought her so much joy. Haley was compassionate and kindhearted; she was engaging with the residents and had such a gift for working with the senior community.

Haley’s greatest joy was her daughter. She enjoyed teaching her new crafts, watching her dance to a silly song and cuddling with her at night. Haley loved styling her own hair and passed this on by planning and styling Rilynn’s hair each day. We often talked about her hopes and dreams for Rilynn, and it came down to the same thing each time – she hoped for Rilynn to remain the kind, outgoing and “rule follower” girl that she is today. It was especially important to Haley that Rilynn’s relationship with her sister Brynn continue to grow into a bond that keeps them connected for a lifetime.

Haley will be remembered for her larger-than-life smile as she lit up every room she walked into. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader – making sure she brought everyone together during family get togethers. She made many friends along the way, beginning with her years at Mitchellville Elementary School. She spoke of these friendships often and enjoyed sharing her memories about each of them.

Left to cherish Haley’s memory is her daughter, Rilynn; stepdaughter, Brynn; parents, Dennis (Jody) Pueschel and Keely Smith and Carolann Jensen; brother, Shaun Pueschel of McCormick, SC; stepbrother, Ryan Ghee of Colorado; grandmother, Florence Pueschel; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her very much.

Haley was preceded in death by her fiancé Scott Robinson; brother, Aaron Pueschel; uncle, Kristian Smith; cousins, Matthew Canale and Dominic Staley; grandparents, Roland and Jamie Smith and Milton and Laney Pueschel.

There will be a celebration of life at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, with a reception following until 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the family in support of Rilynn’s college education.

Print