Janet Susan Metcalf
December 21, 1935 — March 09, 2025
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Service Details
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.
Bob Krause
04/01/2025
My condolences to the family and friends of Janet Metcalf. For the first four years I was in office as State Representative, David Readinger was one of my seatmates, and Janet was his secretary. So we sat side-by-side on the crowded House floor. She was then, and I am sure later, a very competent, warm and caring person. Although I am a Democrat to this day, and both Janet and her boss David were Republicans, we did develop a good friendship in those days when there was much interaction across party lines. Both Janet and Dave are great examples of what it means to be a public servant. I pray and hope that the ethic that they carried can continue to be!!
Joyce & Harold Templeman
03/24/2025
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Don and his family. Janet was a bright spot in the world and she left our community in a better place. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Lynndy Gately
03/22/2025
I feel truly blessed to have had Janet in my life for 53 years. One of my fondest childhood memories was getting dressed up and going to her Christmas Tea Parties. As an adult I loved spending time with her at their farm. Later she became my number one supporter during my Breast Cancer Fight. Janet was kind, fearless, loyal, and an inspiration to anyone lucky enough to be graced by her presence. She was my friend, my confidant , my rock, and over the past 6 years I grew to view her as a second mother. I love you Janet!
Valerie Flapan Canter
03/20/2025
What a woman, and what a legacy she leaves! Mrs. Metcalf's is the picture accompanying the word "roll model". She was a model for anyone in any generation who aspired to be a kind and caring individual, generous with her time and effective in her actions. Mrs. Metcalf gave me the first notion that I could "have it all", but her definition of "having it all" meant putting values above material possessions, and always listening to her fellow man and woman with respect and a shared eye toward making the world a better place. If that's not having it all, I don't know what is. We will miss her warmth and sense of humor. She was a true Iowan who personified what I love about having roots in the Midwest.
My condolences go to her family. I hope that many fond memories will ease the pain of loss.