Susan Lynn Staker

Susan Lynn Staker, 72, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home in December 2025 in the presence of her husband of 35 years, Gene. Sue was born in June 1953 to Warren and Darlean Furst in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she spent her early years. Some of her fondest memories growing up in Wisconsin were the summers spent at Lake Lauderdale with her parents, brother, aunts, uncles, and many cousins, who held a special place in her heart for the rest of her life.

She attended college at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and earned a degree in elementary education and special education. After graduation she worked as a teaching associate for a short time until she accepted a special education teaching position in Perry, Iowa, where she met Gene, who was a middle school counselor. They married in December 1990.

Sue continued her education and earned a master’s degree in special education from Drake University. After leaving Perry, she accepted a special education teaching job at Crossroads Elementary School in West Des Moines, Iowa, and remained there until her retirement in 2008.

Sue and Gene shared a love of education and working with children and youth. She saw the best in each and every student and helped them learn their strengths and appreciate their gifts. She was dedicated and highly respected by her peers.

After retiring, Sue spent her time volunteering at the DMARC Food Pantry, gardening, and traveling with Gene. Sue was a talented gardener and enjoyed planning and tending her flower gardens every year. She and Gene loved to travel and spent many years hiking and exploring in Colorado, taking annual trips to Florida to relax and connect with family and several trips to Hawaii.

Sue is survived by her husband, Gene; brother, Jeff Furst (Patrice Deems) of Windsor, California; stepdaughter, Nichole Staker (Brooke) of Henderson, Nevada; stepgrandsons, Graydon and Penn; brothers-in-law, Randy (Barb) Staker of Cocoa Beach, Florida, and Daryl (Kathy) Staker of Tama, Iowa; and many beloved cousins.

Sue will be greatly missed by those who loved her and remembered for her kindness towards everyone and her beautiful heart and smile.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at a later date at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Gene would like to thank the MercyOne Hospice Care staff and the staff from Right at Home for the kind and compassionate care they provided for Sue.

Any memorial contributions can be made to MercyOne Hospice or the DMARC Food Pantry in loving memory of Susan.

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