Susan Christine Bruckshaw

Susan Anderson Bruckshaw, age 87, of Des Moines, IA passed away on Monday July 14, 2025. The daughter of Ben and Joyce Anderson, Susan was born July 31, 1938, in Sterling, IL. She grew up in Centerville, IA, graduated from Centerville High and attended the University of Iowa.

While growing up in Centerville, Susan met the love of her life John Bruckshaw. Susan and John married in August of 1958 and were inseparable for the next 67 years. They were blessed to have three children.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted husband, John; son, Mike (Sherri) Bruckshaw of Johnston, IA; daughter, Beth (Jim) Kalmes of Yardley, PA; son-in-law, Todd Mack of Cincinnati, OH; and sister, Jane (Dick) Zeaske of Hiawatha, IA. Their beloved daughter Ann Mack preceded Susan and John in death passing in 2006.

Susan’s greatest joy was her family. Along with her children, she leaves six grandchildren; Ben and Mitch (Stephanie) Bruckshaw, Hannah Mack (Zak Parsons), Ellen (Andrew) Pottschmidt, Jack and Max Kalmes; and one amazing, great grandchild, Charlie John Pottschmidt whom she was able to meet last month.

Beginning in 1995, Susan and John divided their time between West Des Moines and Lake Panorama, where they built their dream cabin. Once John retired, they would spend half of the year at each residence. While in Panora, Susan cherished their church, the friends they made, volunteering, the active exercise group, entertaining family and guests, boating and playing golf. Susan was very proud that she carded a hole-in-one, twice in her lifetime.

In West Des Moines, Susan was an active member of Valley United Methodist Church. She was a proud 60 year member of PEO Chapter KN. She remained very active enjoying her exercise & coffee groups, her Rummicube and Dominoes groups, and her NON-bridge club.

Outside their home, Susan had a wonderful twenty-four-year tenure working as a legislative assistant at the Iowa Statehouse. However, inside the home is where Susan shined and what she will be remembered for most. A terrific cook and baker, as anyone lucky enough to sample her cinnamon rolls, molasses cookies, or chocolate pie can attest. Susan was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Memorials can be made to Meals from the Heartland (Mealsfromtheheartland.org), Tori’s Angels (Torisangels.org), and Michael J Fox foundation for Parkinson’s research (Michaeljfox.org).

A visitation for Susan will be held Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265, followed by a funeral service from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Private family burial following.