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BORN
1985
DIED
2016
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Susan Farrell Obituary
Carlisle, Iowa
Susan Farrell, beloved wife, mother, daughter, friend, and police officer passed away in the line of duty on Saturday, March 26, 2016.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at Lutheran Church of Hope (925 Jordan Creek Pkwy West Des Moines) with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Tuesday at Lutheran Church of Hope.
Susan Louise Farrell was born June 2, 1985, in Des Moines, Iowa where she grew up and graduated from Southeast Polk High School in the class of 2003. She continued her education at Hamilton College, earning her degree in criminal justice.
Following graduation, Susan took a position with the Polk County Jail as a detention officer and had been promoted to deputy in April 2015. Susan was also a member of the response team where she had been awarded the Commendation and Life Saving Awards. Most recently, Susan had graduated in the 73rd Recruit Class and took a position with the Des Moines Police Department.
Susan was living out her lifelong dream and was truly proud of being a police officer. She was blessed with a strong work ethic and had begun to further her education within the police department.
Outside of work, Susan enjoyed shotgun and bow hunting with friends, craft shows, camping and riding horses with Jesse. Most of all, she treasured time spent with Jesse, Ryleigh, and her family who all held a special place in her heart.
Susan will be deeply missed by her husband, Jesse Farrell; daughter, Ryleigh Farrell; mother, Peggy (John) Maschke; father, Stephen (Trish) Michalski; siblings, Chris (Judy) Spray, Cassie (Sean) Michalski, and Jeff Meyer; and step-brother, John Prock. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Stephen and Gladys Michalski and Larry and Karen Spray.
Condolences and memories of Susan may be shared with her family at www.AnkenyFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Farrell
Sponsored by Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory.
Norilee Williamson
April 1, 2016
Susan a Police Officer, wife, mom, sister and daughter my heartfelt condolences to you all. Rest in peace.
April 1, 2016
Susan thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace.
Marilyn Martens
Urbandale, Iowa
tonya Lafarr
March 31, 2016
To Susans family members and her family in blue sending you all my condolences on the loss of your loved one. God bless you all.
Norma Boge
March 31, 2016
Deepest condolences to Officer Farrell's loved ones. To all who protect and serve, thank you.
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Patricia Thomas
March 31, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Susan's daughter and her husband, Jesse. Our God bring your peace and comfort at this time! Sending a hug for DMPD and her husband, Jesse!! RIP...
Teri Cross
March 31, 2016
Police lives matter and are still hero's in my book. RIP
Jack & Janice Mustapha
March 31, 2016
Thoughts and prayers go to Susan's entire family and friends as well as the law enforcement community. Such a loss is hard to understand, but everything is in God's plan. Our deepest sympathy to all.
March 31, 2016
May our God of Mercy bring you peace and comfort at this time, and may wonderful memories continue to sustain you. Sending may prayers to Susan's family and friends.
Nancy Hays
March 31, 2016
Prayers for Susan's family, her children and husband. Praying for those who loved her, and are feeling this loss.
Sending a hug for DMPD and the Sheriffs Office people who worked with her.
Vickey Durham
March 31, 2016
May the peace of the lord be with her and may he wrap his arms around you and guide you through this time of sorrow. Thank you for your time and service and for Susan I am sure she will be dearly missed by all.
Vickey and Scott Durham
LINDA SIMMS
March 31, 2016
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO YOU OFFICER FARRELL, YOUR DAUGHTER AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY SO MANY, INCLUDING DMPD AND FELLOW SCHOOLMATES. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH SO MUCH, IT WII BE SO HARD ON YOUR LITTLE GIRL GROWING UP WITH OUT A MAMA !!!
Bob & Lydia Temmen
March 31, 2016
Steve and Trish, so sorry for this terrible nightmare. Thinking of you with love and lots of prayers. Also to Jesse and his daughter. Prayers being said for you. May your memories of Susan always remain in your heart.
Steve Peasley
March 30, 2016
I vividly remember Susan as a student at Hamilton College (before it became Kaplan University). I was one of her instructors in the Criminal Justice Program and knew her as an excellent student, and also knew that she was the type of young lady that was going to be successful in whatever field of Criminal Justice that the chose to pursue. My heart is saddened to learn of her untimely passing and my condolences go out to her family. As a retired Chief of Police I understand the loss being felt by the entire profession, and to all that knew Susan. Another "crack" in the "thin blue line" - what a tragedy !
Steve Peasley
David Wissink
March 30, 2016
So sorry about Susan Passing
Kyle Carney
March 30, 2016
Jesse, we are so sorry for your loss. We just found out Susan was your wife. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your daughter. Kyle and Mike
Jo Anne Berry
March 30, 2016
So very sorry for yours and the DMPD family loss. Pics show an awesome lady, wife and mom. Continued prayers.
Linda Lampert
March 30, 2016
my thoughts and prayers are with your family and the desmoines police department. she will be sadly missed by everyone that shared a part of her life there are no words to why this tradegy happen. may god and his angels watch her her and she will not suffer she is watching down from heaven .
Ruth Hayworth
March 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Farrell. My heart breaks for all involved. Sending prayers and praying for peace for all. -
Ruth Hayworth, Urbandale, Iowa
Kathy Deaver
March 30, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss she was in my daughters class!
R K
March 30, 2016
TEARS TEARS AND MORE TEARS....
March 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and law enforcement who last a beautiful soul may god be with all of you at this time
Linda Porth
March 30, 2016
My heart is breaking for your loss. God bless.....
Tracy Ford
March 30, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Officer Farrell. My heart breaks for all involved. Sending prayers and praying for peace for all.
Brad and Belinda Nelson
March 30, 2016
Prayers for you and your family. Our hearts ache for you and your family due to the horrible loss of a special loved one. You now have a very special guardian angel watching over you.
March 30, 2016
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
March 30, 2016
Stephen, my heart aches for you in this time off sorrow. You will never forget her or the times you have spent with her and the fun you had together. He memories will always remain in your heart. Carolyn L
Latasha jenkins
March 30, 2016
Sending my deepest condolences to the family of Susan I never met you personally but from what I have read about you was the best of the mother the officer and the wife all the way dwn to the parents man are you gonna be missed I'm so sorry you had to go so soon brings tears to my eyes to even think about you sweetie I am so sorry
Rebecca Garcia
March 30, 2016
My heart aches for Susan's family, friends, and colleagues. I briefly worked with her in my time as a substance abuse counselor at the Polk County Jail. She always had a smile on her face and very spunky. May God wrap his loving arms around each person who loved her and give them strength. My deepest sympathies.
latasha Jenkins
March 30, 2016
I'm so sorry about the loss of your daughter and wife and most of all she died in the line if duties because she chose to come to work and stand for the what the police department have printed on the side of the cop car to serve and protect and she did exactly that bless her heart and now she is gone home to be with her maker leaving behind her bright lovely daughter and handsome husband and wonderful parent I'm sending my biggest condolences out to the families and the dmpd I'm sorry about the loss of her and I wished that she didn't have to work that day and prisoners wasn't being transported I wish I could just bring Jesus down and give her another chance but the true saying is never questions Jesus work for what he knows best for all of us and he may have had different plans for her in her after life amen and may Jesus be with each and everyone of her family and let them know that he makes know mistakes when he do what he do have a blessed and wonderful day family and friends of the dmpd
March 30, 2016
Your life cut short but God has bigger plans for you. Rest in peace
March 30, 2016
Our hearts ache for the loss of your daughter. May God keep her safe and hold her close. Our prayers are with you and your family in your time of need. We love you Peggy and John.
Love you,
Amy and Paul Pearson
N Thompson
March 30, 2016
Words can't express the sorrow I have for you all, the family of Officer Farrell...my family and I were traveling from Colorado back home to Madison, Wisconsin on I-80, just 20 minutes before the horrible tragedy that took Officer Farrell from this earth. As we were rerouted and I drove by and saw the wreckage, I said a prayer for the victims in this unfathomable accident, not knowing who they were. Since that night, my heart has wept for all of you and I am shaken by it all. I can't begin to imagine the hurt and pain you must be suffering. Please know that I will continue to keep you all in my prayers and thoughts and hope that Officer Farrell, your new guardian angel, will send you a sign that she is all around you...and that she will especially be around her undoubtedly sweet little girl and loving family. Open your hearts to signs from her...when you do, perhaps you will feel the signs, see the signs, and maybe even sense her around you. I know this signs-stuff sounds so odd coming from a complete stranger (and I swear I'm perfectly sane), but as a direct witness to the immediate post-events of this horrific tragedy, I wanted to express my deepest condolences to you all. As someone who has also lost someone dear to me (my daddy), I found it a great comfort when hearing from someone that he would always be all around me. (It may not be the right time...but when/if you are ready, please consider reading or listening to the book written by Alison DuBois "We Are Their Heaven" which is all about opening your heart to signs from loved ones who have left us...) She sounded like such an incredible person. May her warmth continue to surround you during this dark period...
Lee and Cathy Munson
March 29, 2016
Our prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Maggie Garrett
March 29, 2016
So sorry for your loss Jesse. Our prayers are with you and your families.
Maggie(Knott) Garrett and Family.
Perry Ghee
March 29, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Sue at the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Sue was a kind and gentle soul with a magnetic personality and an infectious smile. She was a dedicated law enforcement professional. Our part of the world was lucky to have her by our side. Thank you Sue for your life, your friendship and always having our six. Rest easy sweet lady, we'll take it from here. Perry Ghee, Deputy, Ret. Polk County Sheriffs Office.
March 29, 2016
To Susan's family:
It was truly an honor to train her at the Des Moines Police Academy. Susan's work ethic was second to none. As you know there are no words for situations like this. Know we will always be here for the entire family in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
Sgt Brenda Ingle, DMPD
Dorothy Taylor
March 29, 2016
Didn't know you but my heart was broken! May God hold you in his arms. My son and his wife are both Police Officers.
Pam V.
March 29, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Susan Ferrell, but I respect her for doing a job to protect the innocent against evil here at home.
I pray God will give you all the strength to get through this terrible time and I will pray for the children most of all.
Thank you seems such a lowly hollow return for a life given to protect others, but I do say thank you and God bless you for your sacrifice.
Bryan
March 29, 2016
Thank you for your service, you will be missed
March 29, 2016
We are so very very sorry! Bless you all. Holding you all close to our hearts. Tom and Sandy Peno
Missi Bishop
March 29, 2016
I also never knew Susan,,but from what I seen about her,,she was a well loved women and she will be greatly missed,,,to the family and friends of Susan I am so sorry for your loss,,my god wrap his arms around each and everyone of you and help you through this,,,,,god bless you all...RIP Susan...
patty tolle
March 29, 2016
i dont know susan but my heart goes out to u all hope things get better for u all patty tolle
patty tolle
March 29, 2016
i dont know susan but my heart goes out to u all hope things get better for u all patty tolle
Heather Varvel
March 29, 2016
Our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. May God wrap you in his warmth and comfort.
There are no words to express how sad we are to have heard of this tragic loss. May her dazzling smile and treasured memories carry you through the coming days, weeks, months and years. She is the most beautiful person inside and out..and I know you are so very, very proud of her accomplishments in her life.
Let us know if you need anything at all, John & Peggy. With love and hugs.
John & Diane Yaw
March 29, 2016
Peggy & John,
We are thinking of you at this sad time & sending our prayers...
Please find comfort in knowing that Susan touched the lives of so many others & gave them the gift of many happy memories. We hope that those memories give you strength.
tammy bickle
March 29, 2016
my heart hurts for the loss of susan a wonderful person and a great officer prayers to the family
Dr. Rico Bertagnolli
March 29, 2016
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to the family of Susan. She has been a patient of our office since she was a teenager. She had the most contagious smile and always had a good story to tell us. We will miss her. May you find peace in the days ahead. Take care and God bless. ...
Bob Boyle
March 29, 2016
Rest in peace Susan and may God bless you and your family.
Cherie and Joe Starlin
March 29, 2016
It often seems that our Hero's are taken from us far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Farrell's family, friends, and fellow officers.
LT Steve Becker
March 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the community of Des Moines, but especially to the family and friends of Officer Farrell. Rest in Peace.
Paula and Tom Jensen
March 29, 2016
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You now join our Blue Angels guarding the streets of heaven. Forever remembered, forever honored.
Yvonne Brandt
March 29, 2016
TO JESSE AND RYLEIGH AND THE REST OF SUSAN'S FAMILY; I did not know Susan but through my son, DMPO Greg Dickel I caught a glimpse of the truly great member of the department she was..I am praying for God to give you comfort and peace during this time of great sadness...my deepest condolences Jesse ......God be with you <3
rebecca haring
March 29, 2016
sorry to hear about susan
The Wives of the Wisconsin State Patrol
March 29, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers always.
March 29, 2016
God bless the police for their protection and the selfless actions they perform every day. I did not know this young woman personally, but my heart breaks for her family.
March 29, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with Susans husband & daughter during this tragic loss. May God be with you always. REST EASY SUSAN.
debbie hall
March 29, 2016
I did not know susan but I would like to pay my respect for her and her family from what I have read it sounds like she was amazing person r I p susan and god bless your family
Larry and Georgia Speed
March 29, 2016
We, from West Des Moines are so sorry for the loss of Susan. No words of comfort can be expressed at this time, except condolences to the family. May your healing pass quickly, may your memories of Susan last forever.
C.L. Bishop
March 28, 2016
Sending love, prayers and thoughts to your entire family especially your precious baby girl and your devoted husband. We citizens owe your family a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you for caring, and making our world a safer, more beautiful place. From your photos we can tell that you loved were in turn greatly loved. You will be missed even though our pathss never crossed. Godspeed dear protector and keeper of the watch. Your courage and love will always be remembered.
Laura Beal
March 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Stacey Blakeslee
March 28, 2016
I will always remember her smile. She could light up a room. RIP
Sara Brownlee
March 28, 2016
You will never be forgotten Susan. Fly high pretty lady. Until we meet again
chris costello
March 28, 2016
sending prayers for such an inspiring woman senseless tragic loss To the family may God comfort you in this hour of need.My deepest sympathies Rip Susan Chris Costello and family DesMoines Iowa
Nancy Muetzel
March 28, 2016
God Bless you and your family. Prayers to your family. Thank you for your service to protect our city.
March 28, 2016
I did not know her personally but my heart breaks for such tragic loss for her husband, children, and family! Rest in peace sweet lady for you will forever be remembered and live in the forever in the hearts of your loved ones!
Elizabeth Edwards
March 28, 2016
RIP, YOU MATTERED !!!
eric willson
March 28, 2016
RIP Susan. Look over everyone from above and know that we are all here for Jessie and Ryliegh. God Speed my friend. until we meet again
Julie Steele
March 28, 2016
You are a beautiful angel now so spread your wings and fly high. You will be missed by many. I am so glad that I met you and I enjoyed our time we spent at Menards. My heart goes out to your family. Love you Susan
Darlene Newton
March 28, 2016
Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice! Our thoughts, prayers, and hearts go out to your family and friends. May God comfort and strengthen them all!
Julie Steele
March 28, 2016
Susan I will miss those times at Menards working with you. But I will cherish the memories that we made. You always wanted to be in law enforcement and your dream came true. My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. You are now free and you are a beautiful angel now. Spread your wings and fly high. Love you my dear sweet friend.
C KIMMERLE
March 28, 2016
GOD BLESS YOU ARE TRULY A HERO HUGS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. FROM ANOTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT FAMILY IN MINNESOTA
mari Kibbie Mansker
March 28, 2016
my heart goes out to u jesse and family and she will be waiting for u by the gates
Mari Mansker
Diane Watson
March 28, 2016
We are praying for your family, there are really no words to express the shock and loss you have suffered.
Terry Brauch, Ret. Clive PD
March 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy goes to all of Susan's family in this terrible time. I pray that in the coming days, weeks and months ahead that God will give you the comfort you need to make it through each day.
Kim p
March 28, 2016
Prayers go out to your family and friends and fellow officers
Kim Sutton
March 28, 2016
I did not know Susan but if she is anything like her mother she would have to be a pretty terrific and amazing person. Rest in peace Susan. Your family, friends and co-workers will miss you terribly.
March 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go to Susan's family. RIP.
Stan & Sue Eckert.
Joan Boldrey
March 28, 2016
To Susan's family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. I did not know Susan, but from what I have read, she was an amazing person and I'm sure you were very, very proud of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family..........
Joan Boldrey
March 28, 2016
To Susan's family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. I did not know Susan, but from what I have read, she was an amazing person and I'm sure you were very, very proud of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael Kendall
March 28, 2016
Rip Susan- I remember you from High School - "Sending prayers to her family and friends"
Jennifer Miner
March 28, 2016
To Susan's family, friends, and colleagues--I am sincerely sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace knowing the respect and honor that people have for her.
Amber Funk
March 28, 2016
Susan, as I sit here and reflect on everything that we have been through all I can say is how you were always such a true friend to me even in our darkest day's. I'm going to cherish all the great memories that we made over the 25 yrs. that I got to have you in my life. You were my best friend my partner in crime. I would not be where I'm at today if you weren't in my life.
To be 17 again with no worries about a thing in the world. On this day we had the stereo up and just belting out the words "Man I Feel Like a Women" Every person that we passed that day gave us the strangest looks as we were using shampoo and conditioner bottles as microphones.
May you RIP and look down on Jesse and Ryleigh during their darkest days to come.
Tamara Race
March 28, 2016
Very Sorry for your loss
Prayers to you and your Family!
Steve Adamovicz
March 28, 2016
Susan I am still having difficulty finding the words to speak . I want you to know that that you were always a joy to work with . Anytime I would walk by you or come into a room where you were you always smiled . You were a pleasure to be around and I am honored to be your friend. May God watch over your entire family. God bless your husband Jesse Farrell and your beautiful daughter Ryliegh Farrell. We know that you will watch over them from above .Also know that we all in the law enforcement community will watch over them too. God bless you Officer Susan Farrell. We all will see you again.
Michelle Coleman
March 28, 2016
Peggy/John - I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family. May you RIP Susan and fly high with the angels.
Katie Dunn
March 28, 2016
RIP Susan. You were always a light in a dark world and had a truly amazing heart. Prayers to her family. You will be greatly missed.
Andris Kirsis DDS
March 28, 2016
Thanks for your service and your ultimate sacrifice.
Wanita Steinberger
March 28, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Susan will always be remembered in my heart with a smile on her face and loving life. Jesse you and Ryleigh are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tiffiny Perpich
March 28, 2016
So very sorry for the tragic loss of a beautiful life. May her beautiful memories be alive in the hearts of all who knew her.... Forever.
Teresa Robson
March 28, 2016
I did not know your wife Jesse but would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family, may God hold you close to him and give you strenght when you need it most. Thank you and your wife for your service to our state. Praying for you all.
Teresa Robson(Newton,IA)
Sara Whited
March 28, 2016
This just breaks my heart losing a sister in blue!! We all share a special bond in L.E. May you rest in peace sweet Angel!! :(
Carolyn Taylor
March 28, 2016
Susan, you are a Blue Sister Warrior and God has called you home for reason only He knows!
Jess, I am retired from DMPD, my heart aches for you and that wonderful daughter and the entire family! I pray that God gives you strength as you and the family grieve and prepare to say goodbye!
Carolyn Taylor
Sergeant Retired
DMPD
julie murphy
March 28, 2016
So sorry for your loss...may the Lord hold you tight right now,an thank you for your service.
Liza Shoning
March 28, 2016
Jesse, my heart breaks for you. Please let me know if you ever need anything. I mean that.
Billy Brown
March 28, 2016
Jesse, we are shocked and saddened by your loss. Know that we are praying for you and your daughter.
LouAnne and Billy Brown
julia phillips
March 28, 2016
My dear lovely cousin Susan, you will be greatly miss by your family and friends and i wil always remember our cherish times in childhood at karen s house all we do were playing around a lot. I wish we can go back to those times just being kids again. cuz wow life is so too short babe. Fly higher all in ur beautiful wings and watch over your beautiful daughter and ur husband and family and friends. We love you and will misses you by much as sorrow in our hearts. You really have influence alot of lives and some people tokd me stories how they knew you it made me proud of you to use the sign language not afraid of aanything at all. It made me smile. Love you sweetheart now rest in peace..
Sherryl Grubb
March 28, 2016
Rest in Peace Susan. I enjoyed the talks and times we got to share even though they were to short. Prayers for your husband and daughter
Michael Mortensen
March 28, 2016
I cant remember a day that you didn't have a smile on your face. Nothing but great memories when thinking about you. We lost one of the best..
Nancy Cordy
March 28, 2016
As the wife of a former police office who passed away last year, I am devastated for your family. You will not be forgotten. Your service to the community is appreciated. May God bless and comfort your family in their time of grief.
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