Brian Joseph Grace

Brian Grace, age 68, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on Saturday September 5, 2026 wearing his vintage Iowa Hawkeye t-shirt and watching the first Iowa Hawkeye game of the '26 season.

Brian was born on April 8th 1958 to Edward "Ned" and Alice Butler Grace. He grew up in Des Moines, as "one of the Grace boys" running amok in Windsor Heights. Being the third boy in five years came with many bumps, bruises and pacts with older brothers for protection.

Brian attended St Theresa's Catholic school, and graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines. He finished his education earning a business degree from University of Iowa. Brian loved playing all sports as a boy but his favorite sport was football; playing offensive line for Dowling Catholic, University of Nebraska and finally a proud Iowa Hawkeye.

After finishing college, Brian began a career in sales, working all over the country and finally landing back at the family business, Grace Label. Besides the Hawkeyes and selling labels, Brian enjoyed hunting, fishing, travel, reading, and an evening of great food, scotch and cigars.

Brian's proudest accomplishment was being a father to Anthony, Jillian and Allison and grandfather to Delilah (1). He loved Jesus, his children, his grandchild, his family, and his friends with his whole heart.

As Brian battled health problems the last few years, he turned to his strong Catholic faith to maintain his well known wicked dry sense of humor. Brian had more friends than George Bailey. Those life long friends traveled from all over the country to visit him regularly. His Des Moines friends visited daily; they would spend countless hours re-telling stories of various shenanigans of "mostly" innocent encounters.

Brian was preceded in death by father, Edward (Ned) Grace, mother, Alice Butler Grace, son, Anthony Grace. He is survived by his daughters, Jillian Grace, Ann Arbor Michigan, Allison (John) Boudreaux, Fort Worth Texas, granddaughter Delilah Grace Boudreaux, Fort Worth Texas. Brothers Michael (Leslie), Atlanta Georgia, Kevin (Angela) Grace, Orange County California, Steve (Heidi) Grace West Des Moines Iowa. Brian loved dearly many nieces and nephews.

Brian's plethora of life long friends were like family to him. They cared for Brian in many ways over the past few years. Brian's family is indebted to each one of them for their incredible loyalty and support for Brian.

Brian's family and friends wish to extend our deepest gratitude to all the "angels" (caregivers) who gave Brian extraordinary care; Morningstar Assisted Living Center in West Des Moines and Mercy One Hospice.

Brian wanted a "party" so we will celebrate his life on Friday September 18th with an Irish "Hawkeye" wake at BarnTown Brewery in Waukee, Iowa from 4-7 pm. Please come in your black and gold attire to celebrate with Brian's family and friends. "In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it here".

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday September 19 at St Francis Church in West Des Moines Iowa. We will begin with a 9:30 am Rosary; 10 am funeral mass; funeral luncheon immediately following mass at St Francis Parish Hall. Burial will follow lunch at Jordan Cemetery WDM. All are welcome at any of the events.

In lieu of flowers, Brian requested any gifts to be given to Mercy One Hospice. You can write a check, send to: 500 SW 7th St. Suite 104, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, or donate online at https://www.mercyonehomecarehospice.org/