Bambi Lynne Kelly-Kirchner of Des Moines

Bambi Lynne Kelly-Kirchner of Des Moines and formerly of Perry took her place with the Lord on Dec. 15th 2022, at home with her daughters by her side.

She was courageous after being diagnosed with aggresive lung cancer just weeks prior.

Bambi was born to Charlotte Ethel (Sneithen) and Donald Seibel and was adopted by her dad, James Arthur Kelly, in 1959. She was the eldest of eight and the only girl and was always bragging about Doug, Jamie and Jason, not just of their achievements but also of their shenigans.

She grew up with the love of her life on the east side of Des Moines.

Bambi was always quick to share her stories and all her amazing memories. She always joked and told stories about how she’d sick her dog on Robbie when they where children.

Bambi graduated from East High School in 1972, finishing with honors and accomplished in swimming.

She and Robert W. Kirchner Jr. where united in marriage the summer 1975. He was already serving our county and would continue to do so for many years.

They shared with this world their love, which blessed them with two daughters, Jocelyn also known as Bossy Jocie (Orienne Turner) and Kathryn also known as Deddle.

Although life took them on different paths, Bambi and Robbie raised their girls in love and even at the end of her life, Robbie was with her in her last days, providing her with peace, reassurance, smiles and laughter.

Bambi was an investigator for the state of Iowa’s Civil Rights Commission, a role she held with great pride and absolute respect. She always said people should be seen as people, no more and no less than ourselves.

It was important to both that their children experienced and embraced the differences in other cultures and respected every person whom they met and each place they traveled, for they grew up traveling the world.

Bambi was always there to support, encourage, push and hold her daughters no matter if it was her tender touch or a stern word.

The love she gave to both her children, as well as any person her girls loved, is beyond measure and unforgettable.

Of all the roles and hats Bambi wore, the one she so fondly loves the most is that of Grandma. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Charlotte of Atlanta, Sebastion  of Salt Lake City, Elijah of Salt Lake City, Trevor of Perry, Jade of Perry, Jacksen of Carlisle, Iowa, and Katums of Carlisle; and one great-grandchildren, Izzabella of Atlanta.

She’s greatly missed.

Welcoming her to heaven are her mom Charlotte; dad, Jim; grandma, Morgan; grandpa,  Kirchner(Kernel); Sue; many more family, friends and a grandchild.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. After life care was provided by Des Moines Cremation. Contributions for final costs can be mailed to 3938 Lay St., Des Moines IA 50317.