Patrick James Palmersheim

Patrick James Palmersheim, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and tireless advocate for veterans, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 12, 2025. His sudden departure has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Born on May 27, 1947, in New Hampton, Iowa, Patrick was the son of Mathias and Dolores (McGrane) Palmersheim. Growing up on farms with his four brothers and close-knit neighbors, Patrick treasured the memories of his childhood spent in the Iowa countryside.

He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elma, Iowa in 1965.

Patrick proudly enlisted and served in the United States Air Force for nine years, including two tours in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to his country and his fellow servicemen.

In 1971, Patrick married Loan Nguyen (Sandy), with whom he shared 20 years, raising their children in Elma. During this time, he also served his community in various capacities, including Mayor, City Councilman, and volunteer firefighter. In 2000, he married Cynthia Rae "Cindy" Boor while serving as the County Veterans Affairs Director for Howard County. In 2002, the couple moved to Des Moines, where they spent 14 years. In 2016, Patrick found his soulmate, Susan Wynne Lunning, and they married in 2021. Patrick and Susan shared unlimited laughs, hugs and an abundance of love till his very last day on this earth.

In 2002, Patrick was appointed as the Executive Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs, a role he held with distinction until 2011. He also served as Senior Vice President of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, representing all 50 states and six territories.

Patrick is widely regarded as the "Father of Iowa's Arlington" for his instrumental role in founding the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, a final resting place for more than 80,000 veterans. Over the decades, he received numerous accolades, including the Iowa DAR Medal of Honor, Iowa Notable Veteran recognition, the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award, and the American Red Cross Hero in the Heartland, among others.

For 17 years, Patrick was the driving force behind Wreaths Across America at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, a cause close to his heart as he worked tirelessly to honor fallen heroes. His dedication to veterans and their families touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy of service.

Patrick's family was the heart of his life. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Wynne Lunning; his children, Timmothy (Amanda) Palmersheim and Michele (Casey) Knaack; his beloved grandchildren, Emmylane Linh and Lillian Grace Palmersheim, and Anthony Mathias and Mai Loan Knaack; his brothers, Robert (Karen) Palmersheim, Kenneth (Penny) Palmersheim, and Richard (Maru) Palmersheim; Susan’s children, daughter, Angela (Wayne) Conley and her children, Reagan, Aaron and Grace Mitchell Peterson; and her son, Brenton (Kayla) Marcum; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias and Dolores Palmersheim, and his brother, Francis Palmersheim as well as nephew, Jeffrey Palmersheim, and niece, Susan Breitbach.

Patrick's warmth, generosity, and selflessness will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of service, love, and devotion to others will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with the visitation on Wednesday, January 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the funeral service on Thursday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Wreaths Across America.(Iowa).

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