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OBITUARIES
Obituaries - Des Moines area
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Joseph "Joe" Kellar
Joseph Michael Kellar, 36, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away on November 17, 2025. Joe was born on May 24, 1989, in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up with a deep appreciation for the outdoors. His passion revolved around fishing — a hobby that brought him joy, peace, and countless memories. Joe especially cherished his trips to Canada and took pride in crafting his own fishing jigs. Joe’s family was central to his life. He is survived by his parents, Rick and Arvalla Kellar; his siste
Nov 19


Dr. Robert William Carithers
Dr. Robert William Carithers, passed peacefully on November 11 th , 2025 at the age of 93. He was born on August 19 th , 1932, in Des Moines County, IA. Bob was raised on the family farm, later enrolling at Iowa State University where he fell in love with Jeanine Rutherford and married. He studied veterinary medicine, graduating in 1956, and served in the US Army Veterinary Corps until 1958. Bob and Jeanine raised three sons, with the eldest (Jeff) born during veterinary sch
Nov 19


David Edward Becker
David Edward Becker, born April 22, 1960, in Carroll, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 14, 2025, at The Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa. David was truly the definition of a “heart of gold.” Throughout his life, he generously shared his time and talents to help anyone in need—family, friends, or even strangers. He worked in several trades, including construction, welding, and mechanics, and enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR, and spen
Nov 18


Danny Joseph Belt
Danny Joseph Belt, 67, of West Des Moines, died at home Nov. 16. He was a retired graphic artist who continued to sculpt, paint and create in his home workshop. Dan graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1976, and attended the commercial art program at Des Moines Area Community College. He worked as an artist at the Graphic Corporation, Sarcone Printing, Richtman’s Printing and then started his own business, Belt Creative Associates. He won recognition for his artwork,
Nov 18


Randal James (Randy) Geary
October 29, 1966 - November 8, 2025 Randy Geary, a son, father, brother, grandfather, caring friend, and a man whose love language was helping others, died peacefully from natural causes after longtime health complications on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 59. Born in Sac City, Iowa, Randy was the second son of William James (Bill) Geary and Lana Sanders Geary. He grew up in Carroll, Iowa, with his brother Danny Geary and sister-in-love Deanna Weber.
Nov 13


Dennis Ray Denton
Dennis Ray Denton, age 78, of Slater, Iowa, passed away on November 8, 2025. Dennis was born in 1947 and graduated from North Polk Schools in 1965. He married the love of his life, Luana, in 1967, and together they built a wonderful family and many cherished memories. He is survived by his wife, Luana Denton; sons, Lafe Denton and Brandon (Jenny) Denton; daughter, Sherri (Dylan) Yanders; and sister, Diann (Mike) Nelson. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Denton
Nov 12


Sylvia Lindsey 2/23/1945 - 11/2/2025
A proud Iowa State University graduate, Sylvia dedicated her life to education. She taught for many years in the Bondurant school district, where her passion for learning and care for her students left a lasting impact. Beyond the classroom, she tutored countless students in a variety of subjects, finding her greatest joy in teaching English. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Therese, Ron, and Brandon Lindsey, and her grandchildren Trisha Lindsey, Adam Lindsey, Sv
Nov 11


LaVeta Ruth Bigner
October 8, 1952 – November 9th, 2025 LaVeta Ruth Bigner, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday November 9th 2025, at the age of 73. She was born on October 8, 1952, in Osceola, Iowa, to Shannon and Bonita Edwards. LaVeta grew up in the Saydel area and graduated from Saydel High School. She later attended Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). She worked for many years at Central Tractor before continuing her career at EMC Insurance Company, where she made
Nov 11


Sterling Mendenhall
With deep love and gratitude, the family of Sterling Mendenhall announces his passing on November 5, 2025. On that day, Sterling walked into Heaven—finally free from polio and reunited with the full strength and wholeness he was always promised. Born and raised on the south side of Des Moines, Sterling embraced life with resilience, humor, and heart. A proud polio survivor, he refused to let challenges define him. He was the Polio Poster boy in 1950, and he became a bit of a
Nov 11


Sherry Lou Williams
Sherry Lou Williams, age 82, passed away November 6, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. Sherry was born April 7, 1943, in Winterset, Iowa. After graduating from college, Sherry enjoyed being a physical education teacher at various schools. Sherry’s favorite activities to teach her students were crab soccer and tinikling. Sherry worked for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for many years as a housing investigator. Sherry was very passionate about her job and helping ind
Nov 10


Harold Thomas “Tom" Rist, Jr
Tom died peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on January 28, 1935, one of four children of Harold and Ann Rist in Chicago, Illinois. The Family moved to Des Moines in 1936. He was a 1953 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School. After High School Tom began working at Meredith/R.R. Donnelley Publishing Company in DM. He later enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, stationed off the Virginia Coa
Nov 10


Bruce Alan Boock
Bruce Alan Boock, 69, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on November 3, 2025. Born on October 17, 1956, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He spent his professional career in the insurance industry. Bruce was an avid hunter, golfer, and motorcyclist. He was a member of KCBS as a master judge as well as ABATE of Iowa. Bruce is survived by his wife, Annemarie, his sister Paulette (Dale) Hultgren, along with sister-in-law Jean Boock, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded i
Nov 8


Marilyn Kay Helland Gill
December 18, 1941 — November 5, 2025 With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marilyn Kay Helland Gill on November 5, 2025 . Born on December 18, 1941, in La Porte City, Iowa, Marilyn brought warmth, compassion, and resilience to everyone whose lives she touched. Marilyn spent many years working in the Investment and Real Estate industries and was also a devoted and loving mother to her three children — Christopher James Gill, Ann Marie Gill Shogren, and M
Nov 8


Thomas Joseph Gray
Thomas Joseph Gray was born on July 29, 1953, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Donald Emmet and Mary Kathryn (Lynch) Gray. He passed away on November 3, 2025, at his home, following a brave and dignified struggle with cancer. Tom was a proud graduate of Visitation Catholic School and Dowling Catholic High School (Class of 1971), where he was a member of the wrestling team. He went on to attend Grand View College, playing for the baseball team and forming lifelong friendships. His pass
Nov 7


Robert “Bob” Duane Lackore
February 21, 1946 – November 2, 2025 Robert “Bob” Duane Lackore, age 79, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. In accordance with Bob’s wishes, there will be no public service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, and family and friends will be notified with further details. Bob was born on February 21, 1946, in Osage, Iowa. On a special day in Charles City, he married the love of his life, Lind
Nov 7


Sandra Lint
Sandra Lint was born on July 5 th , 1949, and passed peacefully, comforted by her son and grandson on September 28 th , 2025, in Adel, IA. Sandra enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family and mixing those two things as much as possible. Whether on a cruise, at a resort in Florida, or on a trip to Washington DC to visit the museums and her late husband’s memorial at Arlington, she was always planning her next trip with whomever was ready to go with her. When she was
Nov 4


Barbara Fulitano
Barbara Jo (Smith) (Schneider) Fulitano , age 77, of West Des Moines, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends after spending six days at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. Born on September 25, 1948, to Alfred and Phyllis (Rath) Smith, Barb grew up in Carroll, Iowa, where she faced early adversity with remarkable courage and persistence. After contracting polio at the age of two, she spent months receiving treatment
Nov 4


James Arthur Kinnan
James Arthur Kinnan, 80, passed away peacefully at the Des Moines VA Community Living Center on Saturday, October 25, 2025. He was born on November 9, 1944, in Carroll, Iowa to Roger and Anna Marie (Jones) Kinnan. Jim grew up on a farm west of Churdan, Iowa and graduated from Paton-Churdan High School in 1963. Soon after, he joined the United States Air Force where he served in the Vietnam War, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. His career was spent in the printing equipment indu
Nov 4


Paul Eugene Fulton
Des Moines, Iowa 1955 – 2025 Paul Eugene Fulton, 70, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, surrounded by family. Paul was the kindest, most loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always put family first and was there for everyone who needed him. His warmth, humor, and steady presence touched the lives of all who knew him. Born in Fridley, Minnesota, and raised in Minneapolis, Paul moved to Iowa after marrying the love of his life, Jane, whe
Oct 31


Timothy L. Warnell
Timothy L. Warnell, age 67, of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on October 28, 2025. He was born on February 25, 1958, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Tim was a hardworking, loving, and generous man, known for his giving spirit and understanding nature. He took great pride in working with his hands—whether he was building something, creating artwork, drawing, or painting, his creativity and craftsmanship always shone through. Tim had a special love for his Airedales, w
Oct 30
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