Peri Woltjer

Peri Woltjer, age 63 of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on the morning of June 2, 2025 in the comfort of her own home.

Per Peri’s wishes cremation rites have been accorded and no formal services are planned at this time. Memorials in Peri’s name may be directed to her family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Peri Ann Woltjer was born October 18,1961 in Hampton, Iowa. She was one of two children born to Harold and Margaret (Kennedy) Woltjer. She grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa and was a graduate of Marshalltown High School Class of 1980. While in high school Peri excelled at Track and her 4x4 team still holds the school record for the shuttle hurdle relay. Getting to run in the Drake Relays was a highlight. Peri then furthered her education at Iowa State University receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1985 from the College of Design with an emphasis in Textiles and Fabrics. She began her career as the Corporate Visual Merchandiser for Seiferts while residing in Cedar Rapids. Peri was artistically gifted and loved to share her art with everyone. She made her way to Des Moines, Iowa where she served in the same role for Younkers. After several years of corporate life during the week and art shows on the weekends, she decided to make her way as an independent artist. She launched her brand, Out of My Mind Designs and opened stores in Valley Junction and West Des Moines. It was during this time she also became a contracted artist for Demdaco/Silvestri creating Screenings by Peri. She was honored to be chosen by Laura Bush to design and create an ornament for the White House Christmas Tree. In her free time, she enjoyed creating -drawing, sewing, or painting on wood, fabric and screen, cooking, running, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Those left to remember and cherish her memory are her father, Harold Woltjer of Marshalltown; her brother, Michael (Cherryl) Woltjer of Marshalltown; nephew, Andrew (Amy)Woltjer of Marshalltown, nieces, Kathryn (David) Peiffer of Ankeny and Erin (Ryan) Jensen of West Des Moines; alongside a great niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Woltjer and grandparents.