WesleyLife Meals on Wheels

05/29/2026

Today marks Rob Kretzinger’s final day as president and CEO of WesleyLife.

After nearly 30 years of leadership, including more than two decades as president and CEO, Rob concludes a tenure defined by vision, service, growth, and a deep belief in what aging can and should be.

Under Rob’s leadership, WesleyLife grew from five retirement communities serving about 1,000 people to Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults, supporting more than 13,000 people each year. But his legacy extends far beyond numbers. Rob challenged us to confront ageism, think differently about health and well-being, protect what matters most, and continue evolving in service to those we support.

As we give thanks for Rob’s leadership, we invite you to read this tribute reflecting on his impact and the future he helped make possible.

Thank you, Rob, for your vision, faith, service, and unwavering commitment to WesleyLife.

A tribute to president and CEO Rob Kretzinger on his final day with WesleyLife.

05/21/2026

SCAM ALERT: Fraudulent comments are appearing on some WesleyLife Facebook posts with links to purchase WesleyLife Meals on Wheels merchandise.

These comments and links are NOT from WesleyLife Meals on Wheels. They are designed to capture your personal financial information. Please do not click them, enter payment details, or share personal information.

If you have a question about whether something is legitimate, please contact WesleyLife at (515) 271-6789 or LRyan@wesleylife.org before taking action. Thank you for helping us keep this page safe and welcoming.

05/15/2026

For 30 years, Rob Kretzinger’s leadership has helped shape WesleyLife into Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for older adults.

On May 14, residents, clients, team members, business partners, friends, and family members gathered at Edgewater to celebrate Rob’s remarkable impact, reflect on WesleyLife’s growth, and offer gratitude for the thousands of lives touched by his vision, mentorship, and mission-driven service.

Rob will retire as president and CEO on June 1 and will continue to support WesleyLife as senior advisor.

Please enjoy, in the link below, a recap and photos from this special celebration. (Photos courtesy of Maharry Photography, Des Moines.)

Rob, a grateful organization thanks you.

Hundreds of friends, business partners, family members, residents, and others gathered May 14 to celebrate 30 years of Rob Kretzinger's leadership.

05/15/2026

Thank you Drake Athletics for you volunteerism in honor of “515 Day”! For the third year in a row, Drake Athletics team members gave back on this special day by delivering meals to those in need in the community. Thank you, Drake!

05/13/2026

We’re revisiting a powerful story as part of our "20 stories for 20 years" series, marking the 20th anniversary of WesleyLife Meals on Wheels.

This milestone honors the people, connections, and meaningful moments that have shaped Meals on Wheels, and the profound impact the program has on older adults and their families.

Read how one family’s experience became something they never expected: a lifeline.

'We loved Meals on Wheels all along -- but we never dreamed it would save our mom's life.' Learn more about this incredible story.

05/07/2026

Did you know our Prairie Meadows Hydroponic Farm harvests an average of 10 lbs of microgreens from one tower each cycle?

Volunteer Tim and Des Moines Area Community College intern Remmie share how we grow these nutrient-packed, peppery greens and their favorite ways to use them in meals. 💚 Watch to learn more and get inspired. 💡 Microgreens are young greens harvested early—small but full of flavor and nutrients.

Try microgreens yourself - check the link in the first comment to order online! Every dollar spent goes to support Meals on Wheels — the more greens sold, the more food security is promoted in Greater Des Moines!

05/01/2026

As we close out Volunteer Week, we want to say a BIG thank you to the organizations that regularly “Adopt” a route with Meals on Wheels. Our mission would not be possible without your service and consistent dedication.

Our team was able to deliver a special treat this month to thank these groups who truly go above and beyond! Thank you to Corteva Agriscience for your daily deliveries, Wellabe for adopting a route for two weeks each month, and First Interstate Bank and Disability Determination Services for adopting a route monthly and Bridgestone for adopting a route quarterly. We are so grateful for your continued support of our neighbors!

04/29/2026

We were honored to celebrate our valued volunteers today. Please read the story and browse the photos below!

04/28/2026

In honor of Global Intergenerational Week, we’re celebrating this collaborative art project “Hearts Across Generations” created by Meals on Wheels clients and West Des Moines Community Schools students. This piece is made up of 206 unique hearts, each one hand‑colored and full of individuality. Together, they form a beautiful and powerful reminder of what’s possible when generations come together.

Hearts Across Generations reflects creativity, connection, and shared humanity—and we’re so grateful to everyone who contributed their heart to this artwork. Special thanks to Drake University student Meghan McGuill, who helped bring this meaningful project to life as part of her work-study program focused on forming intergenerational connections.

04/25/2026

A dedicated WesleyLife Meals on Wheels driver proves it's never too late for a career pivot ... and when you can make a change without leaving the organization you love, it's even better. Read Candy's story in the link below!

Time as a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver taught Candy that it's never too late to pivot ... and that she wouldn't have to leave WesleyLife to do it.