Brian L Bemisdarfer

Brian L Bemisdarfer, 75,

of Des Moines, Iowa passed from this life June 5, 2026, at his home from Cancer.

Brian was born May 5, 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lyle M. and Marilyn P. (Long) Bemisdarfer. When Brian was 18 months old, he contracted Polio, The Shriners of Des Moines helped Brian in his care in a Minneapolis, Minnesota hospital. While receiving care there, Brian met the art teacher who inspired his lifelong passion for art when he was about nine years old.

Brian graduated from Hoover High School and enrolled in Art School. Brian used many mediums in his art, from Paper, Wood, Bronze, Clay and paint and other forms.

He worked for Mountain Bell in Denver, Colorado, creating graphic animations for the Executive Marketing Division. After returning to Iowa, he joined the State of Iowa Revenue Department as a designer in the communications unit, where he created reports, logos, and official graphics. His motto for Artwork is “It must tell a visual story.”

He received many awards in his Art Career, some of which were displayed in the Kennedy Center, Ornament for President Bill Clintons Christmas Tree at the White House, The Mary Switzer Building in Washington D.C. as well as many more too numerous to list.

Brian leaves to mourn his loss sisters; Janice Hobson, Mary (David) Wilson, brothers; Robert (Kathy) Bemisdarfer and Thomas Bemisdarfer, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Senior Helpers—Indiana, Felicia, Aja, and Malani—and to Garland and Jamie of Hospice of Iowa for their kindness, compassion, and support during Brian's journey.

Funeral services will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50310. Family and friends are invited to remain for a visitation immediately following the service from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Brian's ashes will be inurned at Bondurant Cemetery in Bondurant, Iowa, during a private family ceremony.