"I really must leave this little note. Jeff and his brother Jon were (in my thoughts) my practice kids. I babysat them a lot when they were little. You have easily carved out a corner in my heart. My heart aches for your absence. But just know, your Mom and I are going to walk the rest of our walk together. Love you beyond measure. Aunt Linda Nutting ?"
In loving memory of
Jeffrey A Anfinson
August 27, 1959 - August 18, 2019
Jeffrey Allen Anfinson of Waukee, Iowa, peacefully passed away at Kavenaugh House on August 18, 2019, at the age of 59. A Celebration of Life for Jeff will take place September 15 with a 2:30 p.m. celebratory service at the Waukee United Methodist Church followed by a 3:30 fellowship time at the Vince Meyer Learning Center, the original school building at 4th St. and Ashworth Road also in Waukee.
Jeff was born August 27, 1959, on the Naval Air Base near Memphis, Tennessee, to Robert Anfinson and Marilyn Latimer Anfinson of Perry, Iowa, The new family returned to Iowa in 1960 and settled for a short time in Des Moines. Soon after the family moved to, what was then the small town of Waukee, where he had lived until present.
He was the consumate gentleman and admired by many. Jeff was a kindly and caring individual, traits that were the basis of who he was no matter how he lived.
His love for sports started in Waukee where he started playing Little League baseball at the age of eight. This led to continued interest in playing all kinds of sports. Whether it was baseball, football, basketball, track he was all in, and he was recognized for many years by lettering in all four sports starting in junior high then grades nine through twelve.
Upon graduation from high school he attended UNI, which eventually led to employment at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines as a medical technician in the Emergency Department. As the years passed, he realized his real interest was in the medical field. Therefore he went back to school and earned the title Registered Nurse. Jeff then went on serving in the ICU/CCU departments at IMMC until he was unable to work any longer. Jeff was an excellent nurse and received many accolades for his skill and caring nature for his patients. He always had the time to listen to patients, who often needed just the kind of compassion he had to ease their fears.
While sports and nursing were a big part of his life, his calm nature led him in many ways. He was a Big Brother and also serving as a care giver in CASA. He was an avid reader with a wide range of interests and believed that a book held in your hand was most important. As a result he had a huge library, larger than the house could hold. This also led him to a love of writing. In recent years he attended the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop summer program to hone this craft and to write several short stories.
Jeff was also a lover of music, particularly the music of his youth. His collection of long play records is treasured. Jeff also loved to eat and true to his Norwegian heritage loved his Aunt Billie's kumla, followed by his Grandma's banana cream pie and apple pie, and his Mother's Christmas cutout cookies.
Jeff is survived by his mother Marilyn Anfinson of Waukee, a brother Jon Anfinson(Amy) from Springfield MO; Aunts Linda Nutting, of Johnston, Linda Latimer of Boone; dear cousins Diane Andersen,Tim Nutting, David Nutting, and Shawn Latimer; beloved nephews Cody Anfinson (Jamie) and Andrew Anfinson. There are several great nieces and nephew as well as a host of friends that will cherish their time with Jeff.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Anfinson; Grandparents Clyde and Vina Latimer, and Pete and Bessie Anfinson; uncles Jim Latimer, Jon Nutting, Don Anfinson, Dick Anfinson; and aunts Billie Wind and Bonnie Folden.
Our most grateful thanks go to the UIHC doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Harry Hoffman and Dr. Doug Laux The wonderful staff of Legacy Point, Waukee; Hospice at home staff of Sun Crest, and Kavanaugh House staff. These professionals with such love and compassion cared for Jeff.
Tributes
"Jeff and I were HS classmates. I remember how the girls fawned over him because he was such an athlete....unlike myself. I also remember how he would freak out the girls with one of his elbows-they were double-jointed. He could bend them the opposite way of normal. We will all be a bit poorer for his absence. Till we see each other in Heaven, my friend!"
"Marilyn, Jeff lead a good and giving life. What an amazing story of his journey. I am so sorry to her of his passing. Peace and healing to you all. Dena Forret"
"Marilyn and family you all are in our prayers and thoughts. With the Lord's love and prayers. Carla and John Clement ??????????"