Chad A. Wiarda

On Thursday, July 13, 2023 Chad Alan Wiarda, passed away at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, at the age of 54. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel at 801-19th Street in West Des Moines followed by a celebration of life service at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Chad was born on December 5, 1968 to Douglas Lee and Karla Rae (Olson) Wiarda. Chad grew up in Rock Rapids, IA and was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. He graduated from Central Lyon High School in 1987, followed by Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls, SD.

In 1995, Chad moved to West Des Moines, Iowa. He spent many years working as an assistant store manager for Kum & Go and later in the Finance Department for the City of Des Moines.

He was married in 1996 and had two children, Claire Ann Wiarda and Cole Jeffery Wiarda. Chad enjoyed watching the kids in their activities. He attended Claire’s many choir concerts and could be seen in his “Color Guard Dad” jacket while watching Claire perform during the halftime show of the Valley football games. He loved to give advice and share a sushi platter with Claire. Chad was also a regular on the sidelines of Cole’s basketball, baseball and football practices and games, ‘coaching’ any of the players within earshot, with his booming voice. He loved to talk sports over a pizza with Cole.

Chad was also an avid cook and often asked friends and family to come over for a meal and a cold drink to taste his latest culinary skills. He would offer to make a birthday cake for the kids or cook meals for team events, even after being wheelchair bound.

Chad had many health struggles over the years. He suffered from kidney failure in early adulthood, and had a kidney transplant on Aug. 24, 1999. Chad was eternally grateful for this gift of life from his uncle, Jeff Wiarda of Sheldon, IA.

Chad is preceded in death by his parents, Douglas (2023) and Karla Wiarda (2012), and both sets of grandparents. He is survived by his children, Claire Wiarda of Des Moines and Cole Wiarda of West Des Moines, and the mother of his children, Brenda Jones Wiarda also of West Des Moines. He is also survived by his brother, Adam Wiarda (Christy) and their children, Adelyn Rae and Carson Lee Wiarda of Wakonda, SD. Many others in the Olson and Wiarda families, as well as special friend, Michelle DePhillips, will cherish his memory.

A memorial account has been established for Claire and Cole Wiarda. These donations can be made out to Brenda Jones Wiarda or send directly into the Wells Fargo account electronically via Zelle at: [email protected]. Please include a name in the notes so that proper appreciation can be given or donations may be directed to On With Life, where Chad received outstanding rehabilitation care.

Rest in Peace, Chad.