Wendell Downing Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Wendell Downing (Des Moines, Iowa), who passed away on May 20, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

As we bid Wendell farewell, let us not mourn the absence of his physical form, but rather celebrate the essence of his spirit that lingers in the spaces between moments. For Wendell is not truly gone, but merely transformed, his energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Wendell Downing and Marion Downing; and his wife Joyce MacPherson. He is survived by: his daughters, Jill Downing of Des Moines and Karen Downing (Jeff Marks) of Des Moines; his granddaughter Hannah Marks of Brooklyn; and his sister-in-law Elaine Dunn. He is also survived by five nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or Des Moines Public Library.