Johnston Lions Club Pancake Breakfast — This and more in this week's issue!

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March 10-16, 2026

Summarizing lives in words

I have written, edited or proofed thousands of obituaries in my lifetime. And, in what some of you may find strange, I enjoy it. I certainly don’t relish in the deaths of those whose lives are summarized in words, but I do find myself smiling as I join others in strolling and scrolling down these memory lanes.

I don't personally know most of the people featured in the obituaries I read, but I am surprised how that is changing as my own years add up. I now find myself saying, “She was Bob’s mother” or “He was Nancy’s cousin” or “I think I went to high school with his son.”

Years ago, when I published paid subscription newspapers in Nebraska, a good friend and advertising customer told me the main reason he subscribed to the paper was to see if any of his customers died. He wasn’t alone. The local radio station read the funeral announcements, but it wasn't the same as reading printed obituaries.

Obituaries are the best short stories with the beginning, middle and end all neatly wrapped up in just a few paragraphs. Usually accompanied with one carefully chosen photo, they are not only news items but are keepsakes for family members today and for generations to come.

Many of you who attend funerals leave with a program that includes the obituary. I often struggle on what to do with that piece of paper when I get home. Many times, I find it still in the suit jacket pocket the next time I wear it — which is often at the next funeral I attend. I will set it on the kitchen counter and look at it multiple times. I just don't feel right throwing it away, but I eventually do. A final closure, you might say.

I am fascinated with a website called www.findagrave.com, the largest compilation of gravesites in the world. It started in 1995 when founder Jim Tipton built it to share his hobby of visiting the graves of famous people. He found that many others shared this interest, and he opened the site for all with a mission to find, record and present burial and final disposition information worldwide. Since then, millions of volunteers like me have entered memorials, photos, biographies and obituaries to this free site. I have read the obituaries of many of my ancestors here, and it reinforces to me how important these words — which were often written in a matter of minutes — are for future generations.

I hope you think about all this the next time you read an obituary, whether that be in one of our publications, other newspapers, online or in a funeral program. Those tributes are written not only to honor the people who died, but to help the rest of us reflect, shed a tear and, hopefully, smile for a moment, too.

Have a great week, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

District champs

Congratulations to 11 members of the Johnston Varsity Boys Wrestling team who punched their ticket to state at the district meet in Marshalltown on Feb. 14. Parker Casey ended his season as state runner up at 157 pounds while Ike Beirman, not pictured, finished 7th at 132 pounds at the 2026 Boys State Wrestling Tournament.

Johnston Lions Club Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, April 18, the Johnston Lions Club is hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast. The location this year is the Johnston Middle School cafeteria, 6501 N.W. 62nd Ave. Hours are 7-11 a.m., and the breakfast features pancakes (including gluten-free pancakes), sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids 5 and younger are free. Proceeds will benefit the Lions Club service projects.

Spring Cleanup is April 20-23

Spring cleanup in Johnston will take place April 20-23. Residents living west of N.W. 86th Street are scheduled for cleanup on April 20 and 21, while those living east of N.W. 86th Street will have their cleanup on April 22 and 23. As winter comes to a close, it's a great time to think about your own spring cleaning tasks. Learn more here.

Firefighters Pancake Breakfast

Join the Johnston-Grimes Firefighters Foundation for a pancake breakfast at the new Public Safety Center, 2001 S.W. Sixth St., Grimes, on Saturday, April 25, from 7-11 a.m.

Electronics recycling event is April 18

Are you looking to dispose of your old electronics but unsure how to do it? The city is offering an electronics recycling day on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City Hall east parking lot, 6221 Merle Hay Road. This event takes place on the Saturday before spring cleanup. Most electronics can be recycled for free.

Farmers Markets vendor applications are now open

Applications are open for the Farmers Market through April 30. Approved applications are valid for one year, and vendor pricing is based on single- or double-space pricing. Spaces are limited, so apply early and include a brief description of your products. This year’s market will feature live music and community events to enhance the experience. For more details, please contact us. Apply here.

Public meetings

Thursday, March 19: Library Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 19: Board of Adjustment Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
Monday, March 23: City Council Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, March 23: City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25: Tree Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 25: Park Board Meeting, 6 p.m.

Gold Star Military Museum events

Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov

Free Docent-Led Museum Tours: Offered on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.

Sign up to be a Kites on the Green volunteer

Kites on the Green returns on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event is organized by community volunteers. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the day, with full and partial shifts available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours, including silver cord hours for students. Learn more here.

Brenda Jean Jurgens

Brenda Jean Jurgens died Feb. 25, 2026, at Walnut Ridge Care Center in Clive. She was born on June 21, 1959, in Cylinder. She graduated from Tri-County High School in Plymouth, Nebraska, in 1977, then attended Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kansas, where she graduated in fashion merchandising and business administration.

She held a scoring record for years for 5 on 5 basketball in Nebraska. She went to Mexico to teach English between her junior and senior years of high school with a group from Waldorf College. After college, Brenda set off for Dallas, Texas, to begin her career in the fashion industry. She managed a retail clothing store, Casual Corner, then became an independent contractor as a wholesale clothing representative through the Dallas Apparel Mart. In this role, Brenda traveled to multiple states in a motorhome converted into a mobile clothing showroom selling top-line apparel to retailers, as well as entertaining buyers at wholesale clothing markets.

While working in Texas, Brenda met her life partner, Bob Russell. They made their home in Mineola, Texas, until Bob’s death in 2010. They enjoyed the relaxing retreat of country life in nature, as well as fishing and boating, as an escape from their busy careers.

Upon returning from a trip to Australia with Bob in 1991, Brenda began a new chapter in her life. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor while staying with her brother and sister-in-law in Liberty, Missouri, where she stayed while undergoing surgery and treatment. After brain surgery, Brenda took to wearing hats daily. This became a part of her identity, with many referring to her as “the hat lady.” The illness altered the trajectory of Brenda’s career as her abilities to work became difficult over time. Eventually, she retired and moved to Iowa to be near family. She faced the past 35 years, as a medical miracle, with courage, grace and a smile on her face. Brenda was a bright light to all who knew and loved her. Her positive attitude and quick smile made it easy to love her as witnessed by those who cared for her at Independent Village, Walnut Ridge Care Centers, and Suncrest Hospice.

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Iva Jurgens; infant brother, Roger; and life partner, Bob Russell. She is survived by her father, Ronald Jurgens; siblings: Allan (Nancy) Jurgens, Monica (Lyle) Stutzman, and Michael (Cindy) Jurgens; and nieces/nephews: Alyssa (Mike) Mattson and their children Anna and Ryan, Mikhala (Bryan) Febel, Morgan Stutzman, Marin Jurgens, and Bennett Jurgens; and stepson Robert Russell Jr. (Melissa) and their son, Alex.

Services to celebrate Brenda’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday March 28, at Saint James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Road, Johnston. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at noon and a visitation at 1 p.m. prior to the service. An interment service will be held by immediate family at South Saint John’s Cemetery in Cylinder at a later date.

Phyllis Sunins

Phyllis Sunins grew up on a farm near Creston, where she graduated high school and attended community college before graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following graduation, she worked in Des Moines at the Ruan Center where she met John (Janis) Sunins. They married in 1978 and remained partners in love for 34 years until John’s passing in 2012.

Growing up on a farm, she developed an early affection for animals. This childhood love remained with her throughout her life. Her daily life included a commitment to her cats. Too many to name them all, each held a unique place in her heart. She supported the World Wildlife Fund to protect threatened species and their habitats throughout the world. In other giving, she contributed funds to feed horses, cows and other animals in neglected situations.

Her farm life also brought a love for the land. Adventurous young Phyllis took a summer job at a dude ranch in Colorado. Spending time in the Rocky Mountains continued to fill her spirit for many years. Her annual membership in the Rocky Mountain National Conservancy and other donations supported protecting both the mountain environment and its animals.

Phyllis began her professional journey in the telecommunications industry in 1973 at Northwestern Bell, where she worked for more than 30 years. She played a key role in training customer service and sales, collaborating with colleagues, and authoring methods and procedures supporting both internal and external service practices. She made many meaningful friendships.

Phyllis gave to many causes, including a scholarship in memory of the ISU women' s cross-country team whose lives ended in a plane crash in 1985; scholarships for veterinary students; supporting students who traveled to Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota; contributions to the Heard Museum supported the annual culture and arts festival; supporting political candidates; and much more.

Honoring, respecting and memorializing all who serve in the military, Phyllis was inspired by John’s 38-year journey in the National Guard. This led to volunteer service of her own at the Iowa Gold Star Museum, sharing his memorial brick included in the Iowa Wall, and donating to the Gold Star Mothers during holiday time.

Phyllis’ heart and additional funds will continue to support many agencies beyond her death. Some are: Iowa State University, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Mayo Clinic, Animal Rescue League, Native American College, Heard Museum.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Janis (John) Sunins, and brother, Steven Spring. She is survived by stepdaughter, Michelle Sunins; sister-in-law, Mara Swanson; sister, Linda Spring Harem; and dear friends, Kathy and Ron McBride, Nancy and Tom Macklin and Nilene and Jim Hart, among many more; and friends and staff at Brio of Johnston.

Dates for private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, and a celebration of life will be determined and announced. Donations may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Mayo Clinic-Rochester. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements are by Iles Westover Chapel.

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

Spring Break Discovery Hike: Friday, March 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger, and from 1-2 p.m. at Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 3, 7200 S.E. Fifth St., Des Moines. Start your spring break with an adventure at this refreshing, family-friendly hike designed to shake off the last of the winter blues and welcome the beauty of spring.
Global Migrations - Northern Elephant Seals: Saturday, March 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Join us for a family-friendly program focused on the migrations of an amazing animal. We’ll travel around the world together as we learn animal facts and how climate change is affecting this species. The program will involve a presentation and hands-on fun. Stop by Critter Club afterward to meet one of the Nature Center’s amazing animals.
Critter Club: Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and visit with Jester Park Nature Center’s resident animals up close. We’ll have one or two ambassador animals out to learn what special role they play in education. You may even get to touch them. This is an open house, so come and go anytime from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attend the Global Migrations program beforehand to be an animal champion.
Amphibians in Springtime: Monday, March 16, 10-11 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Come and learn about the amazing world of amphibians and what they do when the temperatures outside start to warm up. We'll explore what makes an amphibian an amphibian, what importance they play in our environment, and even get to meet a few, too.
Reading and Reptiles: Tuesday, March 17, 9-11 a.m., Sleepy Hollows Park, 4051 Dean Ave., Des Moines. Iowa is home to a wide variety of reptiles. Join us as we explore this fascinating group of animals and learn more about these scaly creatures. A live reptile will be used. Storytime will follow the program.

Johnston Public Library events

Seniors are invited to attend Retirement University’s Planning for the Future: Coverage and Support at Home. On Thursday, March 12 at 1 p.m., staff from WesleyLife will share information on programs and coverage options for seniors living at home. Registration is required.

Barbie is ready to make her runway debut at the library. Young fashion designers in grades 3-5 who would like to make their own outfit for Barbie can attend Barbie Boutique on Saturday, March 14 from 2-3 p.m. Dolls and materials will be provided, and designers will be able to take their decked-out dolls home with them.

Bring your young musicians in pre-K through fifth grade to the Instrument Petting Zoo. On Monday, March 16, the Des Moines Symphony Academy will present an interactive program that’s all about music. Everyone in the audience will have the opportunity to explore and play a string instrument. Please register for one of two sessions beginning at either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The Iowa Files: A History Series
Various dates, 3 p.m.
Online and in-person at the Community Room of the West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Parkway
This joint West Des Moines Historical Society and West Des Moines Public Library program is free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of West Des Moines Historical Society members, Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Friends Foundation of the West Des Moines Library. All programs are streamed on the WDMHS Facebook page and YouTube channel.

March 15: The Monuments Men and the Saving of Culture. The Monuments Men (and Women) had a seemingly impossible job: save some of the world’s most precious cultural artifacts and art from the Nazis, who treated Europe as their private looting grounds. Presenter Ruth Ehler’s grandfather, Ralph Hammett, was one of the men. Ruth will recount stories of the amazing and frantic work that saved and returned treasures to their rightful owners and institutions.

Bright Nights and Green Sights
Various dates
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines
Explore ways to “find your true nature” at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. For tickets visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

Dome After Dark: Friday evenings through March 27, 6-10 p.m. Extra evenings Saturday, March 14, and Tuesday through Thursday, March 17-19. Experience the Botanical Garden in a whole new light. Explore the warm tropical conservatory and renovated Gardeners Show House, illuminated for a magical after-hours escape.
NEW to Dome After Dark: Igloo Experience: Cozy up with up to five guests for an enchanting igloo experience, complete with admission to the event and Flora concessions. Perfect for friends, family or date night. Visit https://dmbotanicalgarden.com to reserve an igloo.
Friday Dinner at Flora: Fridays, 6-7:30 p.m. Reserve your spot now for a delicious three-course dinner at Flora, including admission to Dome After Dark. Each week a new, enticing menu showcases a variety of cuisines. Reserve a table online, https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Botanical Blues: Sundays through March 29, noon to 4 p.m. Performances begin at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Your favorite Sunday Blues in Des Moines is here to keep away your winter blues every week. Each set lasts one hour, with a one-hour intermission in between. Settle in, grab a drink, and soak up the sound in Iowa’s only tropical music venue. Flora serves Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. — perfect before the music starts. Concerts are held live in the conservatory, and guests are welcome to wander the indoor gardens during the show. Ticket info and lineups available at https://dmbotanicalgarden.com.

“Church Basement Ladies”
March 26–29, April 2–5 and April 9–12.
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
Matinee performances will have dining at 11 a.m., and the show beginning at 1 p.m. Evening performances will have dining at 5:30 p.m., and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Iowa Home Expo
Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15
Iowa State Fairgrounds Jacobson Center, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Iowa Home Expo is the spot to find local remodeling experts. The Iowa Home Expo hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. You’ll save both time and money attending the Iowa Home Expo. Hours are: Friday, March 13, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information available at https://iowahomeexpo.com/.

Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show
Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15
Varied Industries Building, Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Make plans now to attend the Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show on March 13-15
in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. This is Iowa's largest show, with more than 250 talented exhibitors from eight states presenting and selling the Midwest's finest handcrafts.

Products being sold include wood furniture, pottery, jewelry, clothing, floral wreaths, pet products, purses, rugs, candles, table runners, stained glass, lawn and garden metal art, quilts, paintings and prints, several different types of food items, and much more with more than 80,000 square feet of display space.

Admission is $7 for all three days, with anyone 10 and younger free. Show hours are Friday from 3-8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking for the show is always free. For the public's convenience, a free shuttle bus service will be available on Saturday and will shuttle the public from the northern parking lots to the front of the Varied Industries Building.

To purchase discounted advance tickets to the show and for a chance to win $50 gift certificates to use at the show, visit the facebook page at Callahan Promotions, Inc.

Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Pre-Party and Parade
March 14 and March 17
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is back with its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Join them on Saturday, March 14, from 2-6 p.m. at The Shop DSM, 901 Cherry St., Des Moines, for a Pre-Paddy Party, featuring live music from Fat Tuesday, a live auction, food trucks and cash bar for an at-will donation. The parade is on Tuesday, March 17, and begins at noon. Participants will proceed from E. First Street, west on Grand Avenue to Eighth Street, with the parade officially ending at Eighth and Grand Avenue. The after party will be in the Des Moines Marriott Downtown Hotel. Visit www.friendlysonsiowa.com for more information.

Caregiver Support Workshop
Thursday, March 26, 10-11:30 a.m.
Ramsey Village Continuing Care, 1611 27th St., Des Moines
Learn practical resources, tips for caregiver burnout, dementia care and connect with other caregivers. Presenters: Aging Resources of Central Iowa and Dementia Friendly DSM / Homecare Assistance. Refreshments and pastries will be served. Receive a caregiver gift bag. RSVP to Kelly, 515-802-0822, or Kelly.Baughman@ramseyvillage.org.

A delightful bite for a bit o’ luck

(Feature Impact) Going green for St. Patrick’s Day can stretch beyond beer, clothes and decor – it can even make its way to the dessert table. With a classic recipe and a dash of green food coloring, these Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes offer a sweet-tooth-satisfying bite as you gather friends and family for the festivities.

Find more holiday-worthy nibbles and noshes throughout the year at Culinary.net.

Luck O’ the Irish Cupcakes
Recipe adapted from Delish
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients:

Cupcakes:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Frosting:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
green food coloring

Directions:

To make cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 F and arrange rack in center of oven. Line 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat granulated sugar and butter until light and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add sour cream and beat until combined.
Add half of dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat on low until incorporated. Add milk and beat to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients and beat until combined.
Add batter to liners until three-quarters full. Bake 19-22 minutes, until slightly golden on top.
Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.
To make frosting: In large bowl, using handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; beat until combined. Mix in green food coloring.
Transfer frosting to piping bag and pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff receivers speakers guitar amp etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

From your Johnston Living magazine

This month's cover story:

A ‘fur-ever’ home

Residents share stories about the animals they rescued

Abandoned. Abused. Neglected. The world is full of animals — big and small — that don’t know the comfort of a full belly, a warm place to sleep, and the love of a caring owner. Some people seek out these needy animals when looking to add a pet to their family. Others come across them unexpectedly and are moved to rescue them.

[...]

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