Pat Iles Obituary

Patricia “Pat” Bertrand Iles died peacefully at Morningstar in West Des Moines on Thursday, September 28, 2023. She was surrounded by family, who were holding her hands, and sharing special memories. She was 89 years old.

Pat was born in Duluth, Minnesota on January 5, 1934. She was raised in Rockford, IL, graduating from high school in 1951. She went on to study at Northwestern University, ultimately graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in 1955. She primarily worked in audiology but was also instrumental in helping her former husband, Charles W. Iles, build the Iles Family of Funeral Homes.

As a past Board Member of the Greater Des Moines Friendship Force, Pat traveled extensively, creating friendships around the world. In 1996, Pat served as a Friendship Force Ambassador to Cyprus and Egypt. She was joined on the trip by her daughter Diana, and beloved friends Susan Donielson, and Russ and Lucile Johnson.

Pat also frequently welcomed families from many corners of the world into her home. Enthusiastic to share her city, community, and culture, she generously offered tours and always included vibrant, shared meals filled with laughter and new understandings. She loved to build bridges of understanding and shared humanity.

Pat was also a devoted civic leader. She was elected to the Windsor Heights City Council in 1986, becoming the first woman to serve in that role. She sat on the Council for 16 years. Pat’s additional professional affiliations included MTA Board of Trustees including Board Chair for 2 years; Greater Des Moines Government Partnership Policy Committee; Council Roundtable; Building a Learning Community Committee of the West Des Moines School District; Metropolitan Area Council; PEO Chapter M5, 2002 Chart Commission Secretary.

Pat was generous and she will be remembered for her commitment to family and friends, thoughtful and generous gift giving, a hilarious sense of humor, and love of adventure. Pat was determined to make this world a more equitable place to live, practice her faith quietly, broaden her perspectives and find humor along the way.

Additional hobbies include reading, particularly mysteries and historical fiction, playing bridge, and attending her grandchildren’s activities.

Pat will be deeply missed by her son Michael (Kim) Iles of Heath, Texas; son Mark (Lori) Iles of Clive, Iowa; daughter Diana (Craig) Parker of Boise, Idaho; eight grandchildren, David (Allie) Iles of Waukee, Iowa; Sarah (Kyle) Millner of Waukee, Iowa; Katie Iles of Des Moines, Iowa; Morgan (Devan) Plantamura of Austin, Texas; Erin (Nathan) Leary of Austin, Texas; Mackenzie Iles of Austin, Texas; Christopher Parker of Boise, Idaho; Andrew Parker of Boulder, Colorado; and a great-granddaughter, Skylar Leary of Austin, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents Edith and Howard Bertrand.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Iles Dunn’s Chapel. Her family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery.

Memorials contributions may be directed to EveryStep Hospice, Morningstar Memory Care or The Friendship Force. For those unable to attend the funeral, a livestream link will appear (just prior to the service) on Pat's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where you may also leave online condolences.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn's Chapel.

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