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, creating two posters of the Des Moines city skyline used in Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau print and TV ads. In the ‘90s, Dan won an international competition by the Corel Draw software company for his work, and was one of the first artists in the metro to design on the computer.

While poor health forced him to retire, he turned his home’s garage into a workshop and continued to sculpt and share pieces with friends and family, as well as fans online.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 28 at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5930 Indianola Ave. in Des Moines. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m.

Dan is survived by his wife, Deb Belt of West Des Moines, his sisters: Ruby Belt of LaCrosse, WI; Robin Zavodsky (Jerry Zavodsky) of Pleasantville, IA; Becky Oehler (Shon Stefan) of Holmen, WI; and Ruth Cusack (Louis Cusack) of Chugiak, AK; plus numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and his dog, Pammy.

Memorials may be made in care of the family to help with funeral expenses: 940 Fourth St., West Des Moines, IA 50265, or you can donate via GoFundMe to the Dan Belt Memorial Fund (https://www.gofundme.com/f/dan-belt-memorial-fund.)