At Iles Funeral Homes, our journey has been one of growth, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to the communities we proudly serve. Our story is deeply intertwined with Des Moines and Central Iowa, shaped by funeral homes designed to support families and guided by individuals who sincerely believe in the importance of this work.
Iles Funeral Homes opened its doors on August 8, 1960, with the launch of Iles Westover Chapel at 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines. The founders, Charles W. Iles, Ira Moller, and Ardis Peterson, set the stage for what would become a legacy. By 1979, Charles W. Iles took the reins as the sole owner, pursuing the mission with a strong emphasis on professional care and building trust within the community.
Iles Dunn’s Chapel has a rich history that dates back to 1912 when it first opened its doors on West Locust Street. In 1916, LeRoy C. Dunn made the decision to move the funeral home to the former residence of Richard Clarkson at 805 Pleasant Street, Des Moines. After dedicating years to study and travel, Dunn was determined to create what he envisioned as the most modern funeral home in Des Moines.
That dream came to life in October 1926, when the funeral home opened at 2121 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, the location it occupies to this day.
Tragically, LeRoy C. Dunn lost his life in an airplane accident in December 1932. After his passing, the funeral home continued to operate under the LeRoy C. Dunn Trust until June 1, 1978, when it was acquired by Charles W. Iles. He ensured that the firm stayed locally owned and operated, keeping the community spirit alive.
Iles Grandview Park Chapel was opened in 1970, at 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, by Gregory Gullick, who had previously been part of the team at Iles Dunn’s Chapel. After a time under corporate management, Charles W. Iles took the reins in 1988, buying the funeral home and bringing it back to family hands. It has continued to serve as a local funeral home for the east side of Des Moines.
Iles Brandt Chapel, 1301 Ash Street, Dallas Center, has a rich history that dates back to 1930, when it was established in Dallas Center by August Brandt. After his passing in the late 1960s, his son, Don Brandt, took the reins and kept the family legacy alive.
In 1987, Charles W. Iles became the new owner of Iles Brandt Chapel. Don Brandt continued to play an active role in the business until he passed away in 1995, providing a sense of stability for families who had trusted the firm for many years.
Iles Sundberg Kirkpatrick Chapel has a rich history, founded in Madrid in 1882, by A.M. Sundberg. In 1973, Gary Kirkpatrick, a former employee of Iles Dunn’s Chapel, took over from A. Merrill Sundberg, the grandson of the original founder. This transition led to the establishment of Iles Sundberg Kirkpatrick Chapel, 202 South Market Street, Madrid.
In 1998, the Iles family took ownership of the funeral home. Even in retirement, Gary Kirkpatrick has stayed connected, maintaining his strong ties to the Madrid community.
The Iles Norwalk Chapel began serving the Norwalk community in 2013 as O’Leary Funeral and Cremation Service. In 2022, the funeral home became part of the Iles family, continuing its commitment to thoughtful, community-centered service. The facility features a spacious chapel filled with natural light and a large reception center designed for gatherings and celebrations of life. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems, video tribute capabilities, live streaming, and recording services, the chapel blends modern amenities with a welcoming atmosphere.
Mark Iles has been operating Iles Funeral Homes since 1997, taking the reins as a second-generation owner alongside his brother, Mike. During this time, Mark has been involved with a local hospice board, where he noticed a recurring theme: many people in the community thought all hospices were pretty much the same. That’s false.
This same misconception often applies to funeral homes. People tend to think that a funeral home is just a funeral home, and that all providers are essentially identical. The truth, however, tells a different story.
Iles Funeral Homes is proudly family-owned, and that makes a significant difference in today’s funeral profession. Across the nation, private equity firms and publicly traded companies are snapping up independently owned funeral homes, including some in Des Moines. The profits from these transactions often leave the area, with decisions being made far away from the families they’re meant to serve.
At Iles, the owners are part of the same community as the families they serve. Their name is on every building, and profits stay local, getting reinvested into the community to support employees, local organizations, and charities. Here, reputation is personal, not just a concept.
This commitment has influenced every choice the organization has made. Iles has thoughtfully assembled a team of experienced event planners, multiple well-equipped facilities, an on-site crematory, and professional graphic and video production resources, all enhanced by modern technology. Everything is designed to help families create meaningful, personalized events that meaningfully honor the lives of their loved ones.
The mission is straightforward: to help a community take a moment to recognize a life that truly mattered.
Families consistently remark that they felt supported, respected, and genuinely cared for. A long history of positive Google reviews showcases this experience and the dedication of the Iles team.
Iles Funeral Homes stands firmly behind its services, offering a satisfaction guarantee. If a family is not completely satisfied with any service provided, the cost for that service will be adjusted or waived entirely.
Today, Iles Funeral Homes proudly operates seven chapel locations which includes a Life Celebration center.
Iles continues to look ahead with the third generation preparing to lead the organization. David Iles and Katie Iles Wuestenberg represent the future of the family business, carrying forward the same commitment to local ownership, personal accountability, and community involvement that has defined Iles for decades. As they step into leadership roles, the focus remains unchanged: serving families with integrity, investing in the community, and honoring every life with care and respect.
Our journey has been one of consistent growth, rooted in local ownership and a deep respect for the funeral homes and the individuals who paved the way for us. This same foundation continues to shape the way we support families today.
We stand behind every service. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right.
