Obituary

Linda Marie Kirchner, 83, Des Moines, Iowa passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 with her daughters and sister at her side.

Linda was born July 4, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa to Franz Albert and Marie Katherine (Plude) Linden. She graduated from Des Moines Tech High School. She married Bill Kirchner in January of 1961.Linda was a homemaker most of her life.

She was known affectionately as the 'Playground Lady’ at St. Joseph Catholic School while her girls attended and continued even after they left. She loved her police/fire scanner and was always telling Bill let’s go find the fire! Linda was a big fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Hawkeyes and NASCAR racing. She was proud to be the babysitter for her grandsons when they were little. They were her pride and joy.

Linda was a daredevil her entire life. Vacations revolved around amusement parks with roller coasters. She was always up for a ride in the front car with her grandsons.

Survivors include daughters Terry Kirchner and Lisa (Loren) Beem, grandsons Brandon (Jenny) Beem and Jordan Beem (Emily Hill), great grandchildren Ellie and Banks Beem, sister Michel Linden, best friend Susan Gaffney as well as many other relatives and friends.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents Franz and Marie Linden, and husband Bill Kirchner who passed March 14, 2025.

The family would like to thank the staff at Valley View Village - Magnolia unit, for their kindness, compassion and extraordinary care of Linda.

The family will greet friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50317. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00am the following day, January 15, in the chapel with cremation to follow.

The funeral will be live streamed on the Iles website. Go to www.ilescares.com just before 11:00am Thursday and scroll to the bottom of Linda’s obituary for the link to join the service.


Online condolences are welcome at www.ilescares.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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