Amy Elizabeth Brown-Luke
January 18, 1973 — July 10, 2025
Taken far too soon, Amy passed away surrounded by her family at Kavanagh House on July 10, 2025, after a three-year battle with breast cancer - forever leaving her mark in this world. She was born the daughter of David and Valorie (Feley) Brown on January 18, 1973, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Amy grew up in Urbandale, Iowa, attending Urbandale schools from kindergarten on, graduating from Urbandale High School in 1991. After high school, she graduated from Grandview University in 1995 and started a career in education. In 1998, Amy met the love of her life, Dave, while both were working at Baker’s Square. They were married September 18, 1999, in Des Moines. In 2000, they welcomed their first child, Robert, and in 2003, their daughter, Elizabeth. After working as a substitute teacher for a few years, she returned to Urbandale High School in a full-time teaching position starting in 2005 – where she taught history, psychology, and sociology through June of 2025. During her time as a teacher, she made an impact on the lives of many students, whether it was through her “hippie history” class, or offering advice on how to navigate challenges. Amy was dedicated to helping her students reach their potential.
Amy enjoyed all things Disney and traveling, especially travel to any beach locations or Disney parks. She was always game for fun activities, participating in several bowling leagues, attending concerts, dancing at Miss Kitty’s, and nights out with friends. However, her true passions in life were as a devoted wife and loving mother. You could frequently find her running between activities, cheering from the stands, or helping out with projects. Amy’s unwavering dedication to her family will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 25 years, Dave; her son, Robert; her daughter, Elizabeth; and her precious puppy, Chewie, - all of Urbandale; her parents, David and Valorie Brown of Urbandale; her brother, Mark (April) Brown of Ankeny; her niece, Audrey; her brother-in-law, John (Rob) Rouze-Luke of Johnston; and several aunts, uncles, and friends.
Amy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Mae Hackett and Alfred and Aileen Brown; and her parents-in-law, Colin and Barb Luke – all of Des Moines.
Family will be greeting friends on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens; 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Amy will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery; 1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines. In honor of Amy, friends and family are encouraged to wear her favorite color of turquoise or Disney apparel to the services.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Amy.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.
Victoria Rihanek
07/16/2025
I knew Amy in elementary school and always remembered her fondly. My heart goes out to her family during this time. She is gone way too soon from this world. She will be watching over her family from above.
Victoria Rihanek (she knew me as Torrie Nelson)
Pam Spangler
07/15/2025
Amy was a wonderful teacher, wife, mom, and friend. Our boys would take turns playing at one another's homes growing up. She taught her children to show respect to all and they excelled in that area. When my boys were at UHS, she worked beside them, to guide them through content and feel success in her class. We didn't talk often, but when we did, we simply picked up where we left off!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Amy's family and her UHS family at this difficult time.
Melissa Gyure
07/15/2025
Amy's love of ALL students, her passion for Urbandale, and her laughter in the halls will be deeply missed. She challenged the advanced students and she didn't give up on the struggling ones. The twinkle in her eyes as she was planning something with Susan (or for Susan...think birthdays) was something that could not be hidden. I am thankful that she was a colleague and that three of my children were her students. She impacted the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.
Cathy Conklin
07/15/2025
My deepest sympathies to Amy’s family! My heart breaks for them all. She was much too young to have gone through this. She fought a good fight! Hugs to you all! Robert, your bowling Moms love you and are thinking of you!
Cathy, Connie and Barb
Abdel vazquez collignon
07/15/2025
Oh no 💔 I know Amy and her family since I was working in Fazolis and I did her daugther makeup to many times very sweet family I’m shock with this RIP My friend my sincere condolences to the family I love u guys my heart is w u all I’m very upset I don’t know she was battling cancer like me I will honor her memories w love in my heart . Hugs to tha family