Cecilia "Sam" R. Gaudineer

Cecilia Rose (Book) Gaudineer, 85, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Cecilia, nicknamed Sam by her brothers, was born in Perry, Iowa to Wayne and Mary (Kautzky) Book. She grew up on the family farm in Minburn, Iowa and then settled permanently in West Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated high school from Washington Township School and before attending Four C’s Business College where she graduated top of her class. She was proud to have worked for the USDA Poultry Inspection Bureau until she was introduced to the love of her life, Jary J. Gaudineer. Cecilia always said she had to marry Jary as he stayed around and she couldn’t get rid of him. They were married on November 19, 1960 and were married just shy of 50 years.

Cecilia stayed home to raise her children, Julie, Jary Kevin, and Beth until they were in school. In 1972, she went back to work at the family business, Barrick Roofing in Des Moines, Iowa. Sam and Jary purchased the roofing company in 1981 and added sheet metal fabrication to the business. She owned and operated the company, overseeing the daily operation of the business until selling the company in 2000. Cecilia was past president of the Iowa Women’s Contractor Association, was an active member of the Plainview Community Club, and was a member of the St. Augustin Altar and Rosary Society. Sam enjoyed traveling, spending time at her cottage in Clear Lake, Iowa, attending grandchildren's events, and doing puzzles; but most of all, she prided herself on never retiring, working up until the end of her life.

Left to treasure her memory are daughter, Julia Bebensee (Jeff) of West Des Moines; son, Jary Kevin; and daughter, Beth Barkley of West Des Moines; grandchildren, Stephanie Peters (Jeff); Courtney Peterson (Cameron); and Kaitlyn Bebensee; Janse Barkley and Jaryn Barkley; sisters, Marie Vranich of West Des Moines and Rita Reves of Adel; brothers, Larry Book of Panora, Philip Book of Iowa Falls, and David Book of Minburn. Cecilia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jary J. Gaudineer; brothers, Joseph and Edward Book; and her cats, Smoke and Tommy.

The family would like to thank Dr. Katherine Burns of UnityPoint Health and Dr. Kyle Rogers of The Iowa Clinic, along with all of the healthcare providers and support staff that assisted in her care.

A visitation for Cecilia will be held at St. Augustin Church, 545 42nd Street, Des Moines, Tuesday, November 8, 2022 beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Private burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Augustin Church Organ Restoration Project or the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Gaudineer family.