Joan E. Bresley

Joan Elizabeth Bresley, 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025. A private family entombment will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Resthaven Cemetery Mausoleum. A memorial gathering will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Birdland Park/Ding Darling Shelter, 2100 Saylor Road, Des Moines, IA 50313. Flowers can be delivered from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter.

Joan was born July 3, 1944 in Sedalia, MO and later moved to Des Moines where she attended East High School. She was a woman of many passions and joys. Joan found delight in crocheting, reading, walking, and was an avid fan of her favorite show “The Young and the Restless”. Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with her beloved grandchildren, always going above and beyond to make them happy. Joan loved shopping for new tops at JC Penny and treating herself to ice cream afterwards. Dining out at her favorite spots like Tasty Tacos, B-Bops, and IHOP brought her much joy. She had a fondness for snacks, always kept her Carmex handy, and was never without Tic Tacs to share. Joan may have even needed to attend Tic Tacs Anonymous! Her warmth, generosity, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan is survived by her children, Robin Kadner, Teri (Mike) Damerville, Daniel (Laurie) Spidle, Norman Bresley and Troy Bresley; siblings, Leroy Bale, Linda (Mike) Barron, Gary (Pat) Higens; 14 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and friends. She was a caretaker at heart and family always came first. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ina Higens; brother, Jim Bale; and sister, Gloria Ball.