Ann Dee Tharnish Obituary

Ann Dee Lawdahl Tharnish, nearly 90, of Des Moines, Iowa, died on May 6, 2025.

Ann was born in Des Moines to William and Cleo Lawdahl. She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Tharnish, and they enjoyed 57 years together until Larry’s death in 2013. The valedictorian of North High School Class of 1953, she enjoyed drama and journalism. Ann went on to study at Drake University, receiving both her bachelors and masters in education and earning Phi Beta Kappa status. She taught 28 years as a humanities teacher at Urbandale Junior High.

Granny Ann had a sharp mind, a quick wit, and a stubborn streak. She was never one to back down from a political debate. She tuned into Jeopardy! daily and completed the crossword puzzle regularly. She was proud of her Scandinavian heritage, enjoyed reading on a sunny patio, and loved hummingbirds, pansies, and lilies of the valley. She always had a cup of black coffee in her hand. Her favorite memories involved picnics, traveling to locations near and far (particularly trips that involved a cruise ship or a train ride), and biking on local trails - especially when they involved her family. She took joy in her lemon custard, making Grandma Cleo’s secret spaghetti sauce recipe, and serving as a Girl Scout leader.

Ann is survived by her three daughters, Deb Tharnish (Nick Roby), Barb (John) King, and Laura (Kraig) Pyer. She was an enthusiastic grandma to her “duckies”: Tom (Jillian Fanning), Ted (Whitney), and Ann Craig; Allison (Kyle) Nielsen; Ben (Bridget), Michael (Meredith Phipps-Roby), and Nathan Roby; Jacob and Sam King. She loved her great grandchildren, Oscar and Cole Nielsen, Elliott, Elizabeth, and Caeden Craig, and Jack Roby. She was fortunate to have many lifelong friends who she treasured until the very end.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry, and her brother, Harry.

A visitation will be held for Ann at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, 4600 Meredith Drive, Des Moines at 9:30am on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with a funeral mass to follow at 11am.

Ann liked to support local charities, and the family would welcome contributions to Families Forward, Des Moines Area Religious Council, and the Des Moines Public School Foundation.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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