John Wash

West Des Moines

John Wash, 79, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Hospice Kavanagh House in Des Moines. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines with visitation and luncheon to follow the service. Inurnment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum at a later date.

John was born September 13, 1931 in Florence Township, New Jersey to John and Helen (Sunavec) Wash. He was a Sales Director in the Real Estate field and a U.S. Navy Veteran during the Korean War. John was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope and a graduate of Rider’s College in New Jersey. He lettered in all sports in high school and played minor league baseball. John was very active in his grandchildren’s activities and had a great love for his family. He especially loved to watch his grandson Tyler play baseball and soccer. Tyler said his grandpa was the most kind and gentle man he knew.

John is survived by his wife of 30 years, JoAnne of West Des Moines; son, John A. (Toy Roxanne) Wash of West Palm Beach, Florida; daughter, Kathy J. (Buddy) Pidany of Longwood, Florida; two step-daughters, Dawn (Dale) Johnson of West Des Moines and Debra Olson of Sarasota, Florida; nine grandchildren, Richard, Christopher, Blake, Brendon, Yulia Victoria, Julie, Dana, Tyler and Alexis; two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Greyson; twin sister, Helen (Joe) Muha of New Jersey; two nieces and one nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of Hope or Hospice Kavanagh House.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. ISAIAH 40:31

So hon, soar on the wings of eagles, you are free to live forever and with the grace of God, I will see you later. Your loving wife, JoAnne.