Pam Anderson

Pam Anderson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by The Cremation Society of Iowa - Des Moines on Mar. 17, 2026.Pam Anderson was born on November 6, 1951, in Fargo, North Dakota, and passed away surrounded by family after her second battle with pancreatic cancer on March 13, 2026, at Kavanagh House.Pam was raised in Moorhead, Minnesota by her mother, Doris, and her aunt, Lila. She graduated from Moorhead High School in 1970 and fondly remembered cruising up Broadway in her Rambler during her teenage years. Pam's first job was working at the Big Boy in Fargo, North Dakota. Her greatest joy in life began with the births of her daughters, Jody and Jessie, who remained the center of her world.In 1985, Pam married her soulmate, John. Together they blended their families, welcoming John's daughters, Nikki and Shannon. John introduced Pam and the girls to many adventures, including hot-air ballooning, stock car racing, vanning, and car shows-hobbies and experiences that became cherished family traditions. While raising her daughters and supporting her family, Pam also returned to school and earned a degree in Business Management.In 1991, John received an opportunity to relocate the family to West Des Moines, Iowa. Pam began working at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in medical billing. During her time at Iowa Lutheran, Pam discovered a passion for the evolving world of healthcare technology. She eventually transitioned into implementing computer systems within the hospital, a change that led to the career opportunity of a lifetime. Pam became a consultant specializing in new hospital technology systems, traveling across the country-from Boston to Hawaii, and from Seattle to Florida-helping healthcare organizations modernize their operations.Family remained the heart of Pam's life. She cherished her children and grandchildren above all else. She loved attending her grandchildren's sporting events, volunteering at car shows, and lively neighborhood gatherings. In recent years, Pam also found joy in opening her home to adoptable dogs through Hope Rescue, providing them with a safe and loving place while they awaited their forever homes.Pam and John also developed a deep love of travel, which eventually led them to a second home in Grand Cayman. Beginning in 2007, they created a beloved annual tradition of spending weeks on the island with family and friends, building memories that will be treasured for generations.On July 2, 2015, Pam faced the greatest fight of her life when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. True to her determined spirit, she vowed from the beginning that she would "kick cancer's ass." She achieved that goal and was declared cancer-free on July 14. Pam continued with chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as a precaution to ensure the cancer wouldn't come back. She remained cancer-free for ten and a half years.Following her recovery, Pam became a passionate advocate for pancreatic cancer research funding. She traveled to Washington, D.C. twice to share her story with members of Congress and advocate for increased research support. On her second trip, she brought her biggest advocate with her, her granddaughter Avery. The PanCAN Walk became an annual tradition for her family and friends, and the team "Pam's Peeps" proudly walked beside her each year-a tradition they plan to continue in her honor.On February 5, 2026, a new pancreatic tumor was discovered, and Pam began her second battle with the disease. With the same determination she showed a decade earlier, she fought with everything she had. Ultimately, the necessarily aggressive nature of treatments overwhelmed her physical strength, and she passed on March 13, 2026.Pam is survived by her beloved husband, John Anderson; her daughters, Jody Quinnett and Jessie (Bill) Perkins; her stepdaughters, Nikki (Shilo) Knapp and Shannon (Kevin) Anderson-Schmidt; her grandchildren, Colton Quinnett, Jack and Avery Perkins, Jayden and Shaun Knapp, along with four step-grandchildren; and her sisters, Terri (Leon) Vettern, Lenna Scott, and Shelly Gilbertson.She was preceded in death by her mother, Doris, and her aunt, Lila.Following the PanCAN Walk, a celebration of Pam's life will be held on April 25, from 11am-3pm at Valley Junction Activity Center in the Ballroom (217 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA).In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) team "Pam's Peeps."To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.