Virginia "Ginny" Stickel

Virginia “Ginny” Stickel, 77, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly at UnityPoint Hospital following complications from pneumonia and heart failure.

Ginny was born on October 13, 1948, in Goshen, Indiana, to Bernadette and Helen Biggs. She grew up with a warm spirit and strong work ethic, graduating from Newton High School in Newton, Iowa, with the Class of 1967.

On a beautiful day in March 1989, Ginny married John Stickel, in Des Moines, Iowa, after years of devoted companionship. Together, they built a life filled with friendship, travel, laughter, and shared adventures.

Ginny worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Pepsi, where she was known for her reliability and never-met-a-stranger demeanor. She later continued her career with Dr. Pepper before dedicating herself full time to working alongside her husband in their business, A-1 Electric.

Ginny found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She had a special love for dogs, and over the years her home was filled with beloved Chows and Poodles who were cherished members of the family. She treasured time spent at their condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the water. Ginny and John also shared many memorable snowmobile adventures with friends throughout Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

She enjoyed visiting with friends and family, going to movies with friends, and knitting. Ginny’s warmth, kindness, and boisterous sense of humor made her a joy to be around, and she formed lasting friendships wherever she went.

Ginny is survived by her devoted husband, John Stickel of Des Moines; her brother, Tim Eash of Dubuque; her niece, Betsy (Chris) Smith of Dubuque; her great-nephews, Vincent and Dominic Smith of Dubuque; and her great-niece, Frances Smith of Dubuque. Though she had no biological children, Ginny lovingly embraced Kari (Jon, daughter Emma) Heath and Dru (Vamsi) Yemadabthni as her own family, holding them dear to her heart.

Ginny will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her compassion for animals, and the many memories she created with those fortunate enough to know her. Her presence brought comfort, and her legacy lives on in the lives she touched.

A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion Hispanic Post 731, 1511 S. Union St., Des Moines, Iowa 50315 on Saturday, April 11th from 1-3pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ginny’s honor to the Animal Rescue League.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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