Evelyn Carol Fisher

Evelyn Carol Fisher, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Evelyn was born on September 28, 1938, on the family “Century Farm” near Bedford, Iowa, in Taylor County. She was the second of five children born to HK and Anita Russell. The Russell farm was in the family for more than 100 years, and it was there that Evelyn learned the values of hard work, faith, and devotion to family that shaped her throughout her life. A proud farm girl, she always cherished her childhood on the land and the lessons it taught her.

She graduated as valedictorian from Bedford High School Class of 1956, where she excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. Evelyn was active in 4-H, choir, band (clarinet), glee club, school plays, pep club, and speech.

On June 15, 1958, Evelyn married her first husband, Dr. Dean Frey, and together they welcomed two daughters, Deanna Lynn and Sheryl Ann. On December 26, 1969, she married the love of her life, Thomas Fisher. Their love story began through one of the earliest computer dating services—a remarkably modern twist of its time—and grew into a lifelong partnership. Together, they shared nearly five decades of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and unwavering devotion until Tom’s passing in 2018.

In 1971, Tom and Evelyn purchased West Des Moines Sand Company from Tom’s parents. Together, they operated a successful sand and gravel business for 35 years, before retiring in 2006. Evelyn was deeply involved in the local business community and received numerous honors, including Woman of the Year from the American Business Women’s Association (Des Moines Charter Chapter, 1976). She was also recognized by the Des Moines Home Builders Association with Member of the Year (1987), the Lloyd E. Clarke Leadership Award (1993), and Associate of the Year (1995). Evelyn was also a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

While their daughters attended Hoover High School, Evelyn and Tom opened their home to two foreign exchange students, Michaela Grabinger from Germany and Keiji Tatsumi from Japan. Both became treasured members of the family and remained an important part of Evelyn and Tom’s lives for decades. Michaela and Keiji stayed in close contact over the years, and Tom and Evelyn always looked forward to receiving mail from overseas. Last fall, Keiji traveled from Japan to visit Evelyn at her home. Though the visit was brief, it was deeply meaningful and brought Evelyn great joy after so many years apart.

In 1993, Tom and Evelyn completed construction on their “forever home” near Booneville, Iowa—a beautiful property overlooking the Raccoon River that became a cherished gathering place for family celebrations, Iowa State games, Easter egg hunts, holidays, and countless treasured memories. Their 25th wedding anniversary in 1994 was celebrated there with family and friends, a joyful evening filled with music, laughter, and love. They were longtime members of the Des Moines Golf & Country Club and among the founding members of Glen Oaks Country Club in the early 90's.

Throughout the years, Tom and Evelyn shared a deep love for Iowa State University. They were devoted supporters and generous donors, attending countless games and traveling to many away events. If Iowa State was playing, chances were Tom and Evelyn were there. They loved sharing Iowa State stories and always invited family and friends to join them along the way—often joking that they were going to convert their Hawkeye friends and family into Cyclones.

A lifelong supporter of education and the arts, Evelyn generously contributed to and attended events for Van Meter High School, Dowling Catholic High School, Iowa State University, Drake University, and even the University of Iowa—so long as the Hawkeyes were not playing Iowa State. She loved the theater, her and Tom were longtime patrons of the Des Moines Civic Center. They also supported numerous cultural, civic, and historical organizations, including Terrace Hill, Salisbury House, Hoyt Sherman Place, the Des Moines Botanical Garden, the Des Moines Art Center, and Habitat for Humanity.

Evelyn and Tom also shared a love of travel, exploring the world together. In 2008, they literally circled the globe in 30 days, visiting more than 10 countries across five continents. Their adventures also took them to England, Ireland, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Canada, among many other destinations. Together, they created unforgettable family memories on trips to Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and beyond.

Family was the center of Evelyn’s world. She adored her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Whether attending a graduation, wedding, farm show, or sporting event, Evelyn was always there—showing up with love, pride, and unwavering support for the people who meant the most to her.

She is survived by her sister, Mildred "Kay" Lucas; her daughter, Deanna (DJ) Poyfair and son-in-law, Martin Dahm; her beloved nieces and nephews; and her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Dahm, Tyler (Renee) Roth, Cassie (Robert) Haege, Bradley Poyfair, Jordan (Kris) Kane, Taylor Marquez and Cole Poyfair; and great-grandchildren, Connor, Vera, Raegan, Robert John “RJ”, Abram, Archer and Roman.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, HK and Anita Russell; her brothers, Richard “Karl” Russell and Henry Russell; her sister, Opal Russell; her beloved husband, Thomas Fisher; and her daughter, Sheryl Dahm.

Evelyn’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in the friendships she nurtured, and in the countless lives she touched throughout her beautiful life.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Private interment at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa State Foundation in loving memory of Evelyn and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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