Tiffin Holland Kusek

Tiffin Holland Kusek, 40 years of age, passed away unexpectedly at the hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by her loving family.

Tiffin Kusek (Duffy) lovingly known as “TT Mama,” was born April 21, 1985 in Des Moines, Iowa to Brian and Sharon (Kuhn) Duffy. She attended Westridge Elementary School and Valley High School, where she competed in swimming, soccer, and Track and Field. Tiffin attended the University of Iowa where she was recruited to the rowing team. She “fondly” recalled being on the water at 5 a.m., getting in a full training session before classes. It was a true testament to her determination, strength, and perseverance. Tiffin received her degree in Microbiology from Iowa State University, yet she maintained her love for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Tiffin was a bright and radiant soul. She was someone who not only lit up a room with her smile, but also had an unshakable passion for the world beyond what the eye could see. She had a deep love for science and discovery, and was especially drawn to the mysteries that lay beneath the surface of everyday life. Her fascination with the unseen, from microscopic life to unseen forces, inspired her journey into the world of laboratory sciences. Her love of science carried over into her professional career where she held several positions in world-class research and development companies.

As a proud member of Women in Science and Engineering, Tiffin found joy and purpose in connecting with other “lab rats,” as she lovingly called them. She brought laughter, support, and a touch of sparkle to every lab bench and meeting room she entered. She was especially known for color coordinating her lab notes with her outfits, makeup, and jewelry. Her enthusiasm for science was contagious and she never missed an opportunity to share her excitement and empower others; especially other young women, to explore the wonders of STEAM.

Tiffin’s spirit lives on in the many lives she touched; through the overwhelming warmth she offered to everyone she met, with her unforgettable hugs that radiated her love. Tiffin had the rare gift of making any stranger feel like a lifelong friend. Her kindness, humor, and compassion left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, or a shared laugh, she made people feel seen, loved, and welcomed.

Tiffin was an outstanding cook who loved entertaining and welcoming anyone into her home. She lovingly cooked meals for her family from her special decorated meal planning board, which she called “TT’s Café”. One thing that never left the menu was “all the breakfast,” requested frequently by Cam. Tiffin’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. It encompassed everything she loved by bringing friends and family around a table to enjoy an amazing meal and a good laugh. Her favorite food was a turkey sub from Cousin’s, which always traveled back with her from visiting family in Milwaukee. She was widely known as a connoisseur of pretzels. Her pretzel of choice was Snyder’s Sourdough Hard Pretzels. Her guilty pleasure, Dots candy.

Tiffin had a love of music, and especially enjoyed attending concerts with her husband Adam. She held a special spot in her heart for the band Incubus. Tiffin was the life of the party, whether tearing up the dance floor, infecting others with her contagious laughter, or an enthusiastic sing-along. She was very family-oriented. There wasn’t a week that went by where she wasn’t surrounded by her family.

Above all, Tiffin’s greatest joys in her life were her babies, Camden (“booba”) and Summer (“little lady”). She loved them deeply with every fiber of her being. They were her world, and she poured into them all the warmth, joy, and fierce love she had to give. She was a devoted and loving mother, known by Cam for her comforting cuddles and their cherished nose kisses. He’ll always remember her big heart and her big snores, with love and laughter. Tiffin will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends who were blessed to have known and loved her.

Tiffin is survived by her husband, Adam Kusek; children, Camden and Summer Kusek; parents, Brian and Sharon (Kuhn) Duffy; sisters, Tara Duffy (Mark) Hesseltine, Shanna Duffy, Alissa Duffy; sister -in- law, Emily Hixson; nephew, Sterling Duffy; parents-in-law, Jodi and Ed Kusek; sister-in-law, Amanda (Chris) Voegeli; and nieces, Wilia, Emmylou, and Dusty Voegeli.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Helmut and Marilyn Kuhn; paternal grandparents, Thomas and Rene Duffy; Uncles, Ron Kuhn and Jeff Kuhn; cousin, Lori Moll; and niece, Charlie Voegeli.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. Thursday June 5, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA. For those guests unable to attend the service in person, the Mass will be livestreamed and available the day of the service.

Everyone is welcome to attend the luncheon following the Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In honor of Tiffin and her favorite color purple, please feel free to wear something purple to the visitation or funeral if you’d like to.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Tiffin and condolences expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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