Des Moines Police Seek Help Finding Missing Woman

The department is searching for 83-year-old Karen Soike, who was reported missing in the Beaverdale neighborhood.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a quiet autumn street at dusk, evoking the somber atmosphere of a search for a missing person. — Des Moines police are searching for Karen Soike, 83, who went missing Tuesday evening in the city's Beaverdale neighborhood. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Des Moines Police Department has issued a request for public assistance in locating Karen Soike, an 83-year-old woman with Alzheimer's disease. She was last seen on foot in the vicinity of the Price Chopper in Beaverdale.

Why it matters

Time is a critical factor in locating individuals with Alzheimer's disease who have wandered from a familiar environment. Local authorities are urging the public to assist in the search to ensure her safe return.

Karen Soike is described as 4 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a tan trench coat paired with floral pants.

The players

Karen Soike

She is an 83-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Des Moines Police Department

This is the municipal law enforcement agency responsible for the safety and public welfare of the city of Des Moines.

The details

The missing individual was observed walking near the Price Chopper in the Beaverdale area shortly before 5 p.m. on October 15, 2026. Authorities are currently focusing their search efforts in that vicinity.

October 15, 2026: Karen Soike was last seen shortly before 5 p.m.

The Big Picture

This missing person case underscores the challenges addressed by the Alzheimer's Association's MedicAlert Safe Return program. The incident highlights the critical need for rapid coordination between law enforcement and the local community when a patient with Alzheimer's wanders.

Residents in the Beaverdale neighborhood should remain vigilant and report any sightings of an elderly woman in a tan trench coat to local authorities. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness for families managing Alzheimer's disease.

The takeaway

When an individual with Alzheimer's goes missing, every minute counts in the search process. Families and caregivers should consider utilizing identification jewelry or GPS tracking technology to help ensure the safety of loved ones prone to wandering.