Frank D. Hutchens

West Des Moines

Frank D. Hutchens, 80, passed away peacefully September 10, 2013 at Kavanagh Hospice House, surrounded by his loving family, after receiving a recent diagnosis of cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the church.

Frank was born June 7, 1933 in Des Moines to Ruth (Sanderson) and West Barnes Hutchens. He attended school in Des Moines and was a graduate of both Valley High School and Iowa State University.

He began his career at Meredith in the publishing division and later became Field Sales Manager and was promoted to Director of Marketing. Later, he served as Vice President of Marketing for Meredith’s Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Division. In 1987, Frank and his wife, Catherine became owners of The Dublin Door, an Irish import shop in Valley Junction.

Frank retired from First Bank of West Des Moines in 2005, serving as Vice President of Marketing. In 2003, Frank served as Executive Director of the Historic Valley Junction Foundation and was named Iowa Main Street Volunteer of the Year by the Iowa Main Street Organization. Frank also served on the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board and the Capital Improvements Planning Committee. After he retired, Frank continued working as a Marketing Consultant to Melco of Des Moines.

Frank was known for his positive attitude, integrity, charm and remarkable sense of humor. He was an avid golfer for over 60 years, during which time he achieved three holes-in-one. Frank was also a member of Echo Valley Country Club for many years.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Catherine (Kak); sons, Jeffery (Deanne) of Bridgeville, PA and Brian (Julie Anne) of Southlake, TX; daughter, Julie Hutchens of Phoenix, AZ; four grandsons, Caolan of Bridgeville, PA, Seamus of DeLand, FL, Pierce and Hunter of Southlake, TX; sister-in law, Beverly Hutchens of Edgewater, FL; along with three generations of many beloved nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene and Jack; sister-in-law, Alice; and nephew, Steven Hutchens.

His family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff members involved in his care at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Hospital and at Kavanagh Hospice House. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart, Dowling Catholic High School or to the charity of the donor’s choice.