Connie Dake (neé Jackson)
06/03/1947 - 03/28/2026
Connie Fay Dake lived her life with a twinkle in her eye, a practical joke up her sleeve, and an open heart that made everyone feel like family. Following a recent unexpected diagnosis of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, Connie passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 78 in the early morning hours of March 28, 2026, surrounded by the family who was the center of her world.
Born on June 3, 1947, in Shenandoah, Iowa, to Bonnie (Nance) and Lloyd Jackson, Connie was one of nine children. Her childhood on the family farm was defined by hard work and a budding sense of mischief. Whether she was avoiding housework or teasing her siblings, Connie was always ornery—famously once attempting to swap a hog’s tooth for her own to see if she could outsmart the Tooth Fairy.
After graduating from Villisca High School in 1966, Connie moved to Des Moines with her identical twin sister to attend business school. It was there in Des Moines that she met James (Jim) Dake. Jim won her heart through a simple, daily devotion: walking her to work every morning, armed with a coffee for himself and chocolate milk for her.
The two celebrated marriage on March 4, 1969, and soon built a life together. In their small ranch-style home, they raised three daughters: Kimberly, Robbin, and Christina. While the space was modest, it was perpetually overflowing with love, laughter, and the "good kind" of chaos. As a grandmother, Connie continued to curate a fun-filled home for weekly family dinners, sleepovers for grandkids, and the legendary jokes and jump-scares that became her trademark. Her door was always open to family, friends, and neighborhood kids.
To support her household, Connie provided in-home daycare for community kids and later worked supportive clinical and administrative roles at Mercy Hospital. For the last 20 years of her life, Connie found her true professional calling: providing incredible service as everybody’s favorite product sample lady through Club Demonstration Services at Costco in both West Des Moines and Ankeny. Those who knew Connie knew she never considered her job at Costco work; it was her entertainment and brought her much joy and purpose. In fact, she frequently reminded loved ones that if she didn’t die at home, she wanted to die on the floor of Costco.
Connie was reunited in heaven with her husband, James Dake Sr.; her parents, Bonnie and Lloyd Jackson; her grandson, Colby Mann; son-in-law, John Thelen; sister, Sharon Vianelli; brothers, Mike Jackson and Jerry Jackson; and a very special niece, Janet Vohs.
She is survived and deeply missed by:
● Her Daughters: Kimberly (David) Loney, Robbin (Jeff) Glass, and Christina Dake Thelen
● Her Grandchildren: Sydni (Jordan) Thomas, Lyndsi (Tyler) Sluis, Olivia (Dominic) Funaro, Kenny Thelen (Trin Jensen), Jackson Thelen, and Ella Thelen
● Her Great-Grandchildren: Adilyne, Luca, Bentley, Gianna, Arthur, and Rocco
● Her Siblings: Jan (Donnie) Willett, Bonnie Gray, Donald (Phyl) Jackson, Randy (Peg) Jackson, and Merrie Jackson
● Many, many extended family members and friends
A funeral service was held at 4:00 PM on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel in Des Moines. Visitation was from 2:00 to 4:00 PM prior to the service. A reception followed at Bianchi's Hilltop Restaurant 2820 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines. A private family burial took place at Chapel Hill Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.
Connie, your family loved you to the moon and back and more than you will ever know.
This obituary was published on the website of Iles Grandview Park Chapel in Des Moines.
