Deanna Jeanne Mitchell

Deanna "Dee" Jeanne Mitchell, 85, of West Des Moines, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on February 26, 2026, following a brief yet courageous battle with glioblastoma.

Dee was born on June 21, 1940, in Watertown, New York to H. Ben Mitchell and Amy (Ellingworth) Mitchell. She was raised in the village of La Fargeville, where she graduated from La Fargeville Central School. She later pursued her passion for healthcare at the Eastman School for Dental Hygiene, earning her degree as a dental hygienist in June 1960.

Soon after graduation, she married Larry Lang and devoted herself to raising their four children.

In 1987, while working in the College of Business and Public Administration at Drake University, Dee earned her Bachelor of Arts degree-an accomplishment that reflected her determination and lifelong love of learning. She later found great joy in her role as Registrar at Valley High School, where she faithfully served students and families for more than 15 years. It was a position she truly cherished.

Dee loved spending time with family and friends. She had a contagious smile and laugh that instantly drew people in. She never passed up dessert-especially anything peach. She also enjoyed watching sports, faithfully cheering on Iowa State, the New York Yankees, and the Buffalo Bills.

Dee is lovingly remembered by her children: Jennifer (Rob) Newton of West Des Moines, Iowa; Jonathan (Ericka) Lang of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Stephanie Lang of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Matthew (Tara) Lang of Sherman Oaks, California. She is also survived by five grandchildren-Jacob (Carmen), Ethan (Ariana), Beckett (Amanda), Everette, and Viveca-one great-grandchild, and her siblings: Floss; Ike (Trish); and Mark (Rose). She was preceded in death by her parents, H. Ben and Amy Mitchell.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses on Powell 4 at Iowa Methodist Hospital, as well as the caring staff at Regency Care Center and Suncrest Hospice, for their dedicated and compassionate support.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines at 9:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon immediately afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of Hope in Dee's honor.

Dee's life was marked by faith, perseverance, and deep love for her family. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.