Mary Jo Bracken

Mary Jo Bracken, 87, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with dementia. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at West Des Moines Christian Church., with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

Mary Jo was born on April 9, 1939, in Des Moines, IA, to Hugh and Dorothy Allan. She spent most of her life in the West Des Moines area before moving to Kansas City, MO, in November 2025 to be closer to her family. At just 14 years old, Mary Jo met the love of her life, Randall Bracken. What began as a young love grew into a lifetime partnership. They were married on August 20, 1960, and shared 50 wonderful years together, building a life filled with love, laughter, memories, and family. Their life together was cut short by Randy's unexpected passing in 2010, but the love they shared remained an important part of Mary Jo's story. Together, Mary Jo and Randy raised two children, Michael Allan and Tonya Jean, who were the center of their world.

Mary Jo attended Roosevelt High School and, following graduation, continued her education at Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, where she earned her Diploma in Nursing. In 1960, she began her nursing career at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. What began as a career became a lifelong calling. Mary Jo devoted 48 years to caring for others at the same medical center before retiring in 2008. Her dedication to nursing was a testament to her compassion, commitment, and genuine desire to help others.

Faith was an important part of Mary Jo's life. She was an active member of West Des Moines Christian Church, where she generously gave her time and talents through service in many different ways. Her servant's heart was evident not only in her nursing career but also in the countless ways she supported her church community. Outside of work and church, Mary Jo enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life special. She loved reading, traveling with her family, socializing, and meeting friends for lunch. She also enjoyed settling in to watch Iowa State Football and Basketball or a good crime series on television. Above all else, Mary Jo LOVED her family. She was actively involved in their lives and took great joy in being part of their special moments, celebrations, and milestones. Her family was her greatest blessing, and the memories they created together will be cherished for generations.

Mary Jo will be remembered for so many wonderful qualities, especially her beautiful smile, her willingness to listen, and her readiness to lend a helping hand whenever someone needed her. She had a true servant's heart and always found ways to care for and encourage those around her. And, of course, no tribute to Mary Jo would be complete without mentioning her delicious chocolate chip cookies!

Mary Jo passed away following a hard-fought battle with dementia. Watching her fight this heartbreaking disease was painful in ways that words simply cannot describe. While the disease may have changed so much, it could never erase the lifetime of love she gave, the memories she created, or the impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Jo is survived by her son, Michael (Jill) Bracken of Kansas City, MO; three grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Cline, Brooke (Lane) Porter, and Hayden Bracken, all of Kansas City, MO; and five great-grandchildren, Lyla Cline, Conner Cline, Cooper Cline, Reid Porter, and Emma Jo Porter. She is also survived by her sister, Jean (Dick) Preston of Omaha, NE; brother, Bob (Nancy) Allan of Knoxville, TN; brother-in-law, Brian (Pam) Bracken; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Randy; daughter, Tonya Jean Bracken; brother, Bill Allan; parents; and brother-in-law, Jerry DeHaai.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary Jo's honor to West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway West Des Moines, IA 50265.

The family appreciates your generosity and support in remembering and honoring Mary Jo. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Mary Jo is now wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus and reunited with the loved ones who have been waiting to welcome her Home. She is no longer fighting, no longer suffering, and finally at peace. She is Home.