Cecilia (Cec) Ehrecke, 65, of Clive, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home on February 16, 2025.
Born in Breda, IA, Cecilia’s smile, love, and laughter lit up the world. She resided in Clive with her husband, Wes, of 44 years, and found joy and beauty in every day. Her strong faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she expressed her creativity and passions through gardening, playing the piano, rollerblading, teaching others as a docent at the art center and helping kids at school. Above all, she cherished her family, friends, and grandchildren.
Cecilia loved adventuring, and she created a treasure trove of memories, from rowing with her team, to exploring new cities and experiences across the globe. She welcomed everyone into their home and enjoyed card games and puzzles with her visitors. She was a blessing and a friend to many.
All who knew her admired Cecilia’s resiliency. Even during a long battle with cancer, she continued to find moments for joy and laughter. Her beautiful laugh will be cherished by many. She was an inspiration to all and a strong and remarkable woman.
Cecilia is survived by her husband Wes, children Justin (Julie English), Kristin (Keith Hoogheem), Rachel and her grandchildren Blake and Kate Hoogheem. She dearly loved her siblings and their spouses Emily and Bob Morris, Bill and Sue (Markee) Schettler, Mary and Paul La Liberte, Dave and Kathy (Johnson) Schettler, and sister-in-laws Sarah (Snook) Schettler, Denine (Means) Schettler, and many nieces and nephews and their children.
Cecilia joined in heaven her parents Cyril and Marian (Reising) Schettler, and beloved siblings Charles & his wife, Arlene (Pitts), Milton, Darrell, Michael, Bob & his wife, Rose (Niehaus), Ben, and brother-in-law Bill (Emily) Galloway.
A celebration of her life service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA. The visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. and luncheon at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Cec’s loving memory to Des Moines Art Center. For those who wish to send flowers, they may be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Church on March 7th.
