Randy Bracken

West Des Moines

Randy Bracken, 71, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2010 at Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at West Des Moines Christian Church with burial at Resthaven Cemetery.

Randy was born August 9, 1939 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Lester and Evelyn Bracken. He worked at the Meredith Corporation as a Pressman for 19 years. Randy worked for the West Des Moines Fire Department for 32 years and was the active Fire Chief for 22 years. He was also the former Fire Chief at the Norwalk Fire Department where he came out of retirement to work for two years. Randy was active at the YMCA, member of the West Des Moines Christian Church and the Past President of the Iowa Fireman’s Association and board member for seven years. Randy served the West Des Moines community by expanding the Fire Department, was instrumental in helping during the floods of 1993 and he proudly served the City of West Des Moines for 32 years. He enjoyed working at the West Grand Golf Range, had a love for cars and was a racing fan, especially the Daytona 500 in Florida. Randy was a graduate of the last class from the old North High School Class of 1957.

Randy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Bracken of West Des Moines; son, Mike (Jill) Bracken of Kansas City, MO; three grandchildren, Ashley Marie Bracken, Brooke Tonya Bracken and Hayden Michael Bracken; 2 brothers, Brian (Pam) Bracken of Urbandale and Steve Bracken of Des Moines; aunt, Carol (Roy) Dillon of Fort Dodge; sister-in-law, Jean (Dick) Preston of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Bob (Nancy) Allan of Knoxville, TN and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his daughter, Tonya Jean Bracken; parents and two brother-in-laws, Bill Allan and Jerry DeHaai.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at West Des Moines Christian Church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to West Des Moines Christian Church, West Des Moines Firefighter’s Memorial and Iowa Firefighter’s Memorial in Coralville, Iowa.