Janet Fiala (Pfeffer) Obituary

Janet Ann Fiala (Pfeffer), age 85, passed away peacefully on November 4 th , 2025, at Edencrest in Beaverdale. She was born on June 8 th 1940, at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines to Edward Bernard and Elizabeth Mary Pfeffer (Witte). She was a long-time resident of West Des Moines and was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy.

Janet put her heart and soul into raising her four kids. Her family was a blessing to her. In addition to raising four children, Janet had careers at the West Des Moines Public library, Norwest Financial, and retired from Wells Fargo. Janet’s love and kindness to others was a part of her giving nature. She volunteered at West Des Moines Human Services until late in life. She was actively involved in many aspects of Sacred Heart Parish.

Janet enjoyed being active with her kids and grandkids activities and milestones. She loved making treats for family, friends and strangers alike, including neighbors, mail carriers and bank tellers. Throughout her adult life she enjoyed her weekly ceramics painting class with her very dear friends and relished gifting them to family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, older brothers Fr. Thomas Pfeffer, Fr. Edward Pfeffer, and infant brother Gerald.

She is survived by her older brother James Pfeffer (Carolyn); her children; Lori Sanders (Dave), Jennifer Lewton (Kenny), Dan Fiala (Christy) and Michele Carpentier (Duane). Janet has ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Matt and Natalie; Zachary, Jessica and Meghan; Jacob and Benjamin; Mitch and Taylor, as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Please join us for the celebration of Janet’s life on Monday November 17 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, with a visitation at 10:00, followed by funeral at 11:00 and luncheon after.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to the caregivers at Edencrest at Beaverdale and St. Croix Hospice, where she continued to forge new friendships. Your compassion, dedication, and gentle care brought comfort to Janet and to our family during her final days. We are truly thankful for the kindness, dignity and love you showed her.

Those unable to arrive may come to the obituary page at the time of the service to view a livestream of the service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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