- Date Of Birth: October 16, 1952
- Date Of Death: December 7, 2021
- State: Iowa
Christal Ann Birkenholz, 69, of Des Moines, IA, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at the Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines.
Christal was born October 16, 1952 in Des Moines the daughter of Herbert Benjamin and Doris Elizabeth (Bern) Shedd. She received her education in Des Moines and graduated from Des Moines Technical High School.
Christal worked for a time at Valley National Bank, Chicago Northwestern Railroad before taking a job with The Members Group, where she retired.
Growing up with the Iowa State Fairground in her backyard, Christal enjoyed going to the Iowa State Fair where she worked the Sky Glider every summer.
Christal enjoyed spending time with her fur babies, Smokie, Stogie, Gigi and Caesar, working in the yard, planting flowers, palm trees and plants around her house. She loved taking her fur babies on golf cart rides around her neighborhood. She loved to travel abroad, learning about new and interesting countries and cultures. She loved spending time with her nieces, nephews, grandchildren and family. She enjoyed fishing, camping, dancing and being the life of the party.
Christal had an amazing spirit and heart. She didn’t let anyone or anything define her or her happiness. She took life by the horns, stepped out of her comfort zone and lived life to the fullest. She had an amazing smile and great laugh.
She is survived by her children, John Riccio of Ankeny and Vanessa (John) Duncan of Des Moines, her siblings, John (Jennifer) Shedd of Des Moines, Beverly Khodai of Altoona, IA and Tracy (Holly) Shedd of Pleasant Hill, IA, five grandchildren, Christopher (named after his Grandma) and Abby Duncan, Alexa, Olivia and Caden Riccio, four great grandchildren Weston and Mason Duncan, Kelvon and Joseph (Duncan) Briggs.
