Born to Tess and John Hart June 2, 1933 in Eagle Grove, Iowa, Pat grew up the youngest of ten in a house full of love. After graduating from high school and playing football and basketball in junior college, Pat earned his degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University. Pat was very proud to have served as a Lieutenant in the Navy often sharing stories of his assignments as Officer of the Deck on an aircraft carrier. Pat started his career in the heating and cooling business in Omaha, NE. With a little Irish luck, Pat met a beautiful flight attendant from Tiskilwa, IL. Paula Russell, from their very first meeting, has been the love, light, moon and stars in Pat’s life. Married August 31, 1963, Paula and Pat started their family in Omaha. Moving to Des Moines in 1966, Pat ultimately started Hart-Hammer, Inc. to distribute commercial heating and cooling equipment.
Pat and Paula raised their four children in West Des Moines and have felt blessed that all four remained close by. Terri (Scott) McMurray, Kim (Paul) Cavanaugh, Michelle Doheny, Kevin (Wendy) Hart, 14 grandchildren, and a great-grandson are challenged to continue Pat’s legacy of optimism, love of family and joy of life. Pat enjoyed golf, tennis, swimming, traveling, and spending time with his many friends, but most of all, Pat found his greatest joy with Paula and his family.
Visitation will begin Monday, May 7th, at 4:30 pm at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel with a Rosary commencing at 6:30 pm. A funeral mass and celebration of life will be held Tuesday, May 8th, at 10:30 AM at St. Boniface in Waukee. After the service, Pat will be interred at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa with a luncheon following at Des Moines Golf and Country Club.
