Janet Susan Metcalf

Surrounded by her children, Janet Susan Metcalf, 89, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025. She was born on December 21, 1935 in Des Moines to Frank and Manda (Lonning) DePuydt. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned her degree in zoology from Iowa State.

Janet met her husband, Donald Metcalf, when they were Cyclones. They were married for 67 years and raised two children, D. Douglas Metcalf and Carolyn Jackson. They were devoted to one another and loved spending time at their Dallas County farm tending to their garden, especially cucumbers and Mortgage-Lifter tomatoes, and admiring their cattle herd. She loved spotting wildlife and tromping around in the wooded places of Iowa.

Janet delighted in the pursuits of her grandchildren, especially their interest in music. She was a dedicated friend who loved to entertain her friends every year at a Christmas tea. Her house was filled with family pictures and the artwork of her grandchildren from their younger days.

In addition to the joy she took in raising her family, Janet lived three full careers. First, as a small business owner with the Park Fair Bridal Shop and Park Fair Shopping Center, and community leader, particularly as President of Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa; then, as an Iowa State Representative, representing Windsor Heights, Urbandale, and Clive from 1985 to 2002, where she road in many Fourth of July parades; and finally, as a trustee for Broadlawns Medical Center from 2004 to 2022, including five years as board chair.

Except for her time at Iowa State and a short stint in Decorah following graduation, Janet lived in the Des Moines area her entire life. She was proud of her community and the State, and her deep Iowa roots. She always had a bounce in her step and smile on her face.

Janet is survived by her husband, Donald Metcalf; son, D. Douglas Metcalf and wife, Bobbie Schorr, their children Benjamin and Jacob Metcalf; daughter, Carolyn Jackson, her husband, Bruce Jackson, their children Judith and Margaret Jackson, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Her sister, Frances MacEachron, predeceased her.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa with a reception following from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Memorials may be directed to Broadlawns Medical Center Foundation or the Des Moines Art Center and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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