OBITUARY
John Gallardo
June 13, 1934 – March 15, 2013
John Gallardo West Des Moines
John Gallardo, 78, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday March 15, 2013 at Mercy West Lakes in West Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday March 21, 2013 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines with entombment at the Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines.
John was born June 13, 1934 in Aguascalientes, Mexico to Ramon and Gregoria Gallardo. He was one of eleven children who were raised in Valley Junction in West Des Moines. John was always a hard worker. He helped his father in the family garden since childhood and that is where they bonded and was taught his work ethic, which carried him throughout his life. John served proudly in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict, aboard the USS Saipan. John retired from Firestone as a tire builder and was a proud member of Local 310. John then worked at Amoco, Yellow Freight and Blood Center of Central Iowa.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Lisa (Tom) Crow and Felecia (James) Clark; sons, Raymond (La Donna), Jesse (Mary) and John Jr.; five grandsons, Andrew, Phillip, Christopher, Darren and Noah; five granddaughters, Emily, Jennifer, Haley, Lizzie and Brookelyn; three great-grandchildren; step-children, Pete Kingsley and Jayne Kingsley; two step-grandchildren, Audrey and Blake; brothers, Leno, Frank and Alfred Gallardo; sisters, Trina Salazer, Catherine Martinez, Ramona Rocha and Mary Kramer; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents and sisters, Josephine Ayala, Teresa Gallardo and Maria Elena Kingsley.
A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with a rosary at 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Sacred Heart.
Services
- Funeral Mass Thursday, March 21, 2013
- Visitation Wednesday, March 20, 2013
- Rosary Service Wednesday, March 20, 2013
REMEMBERING
John Gallardo
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RECEIVE UPDATESMarch 23, 2013
Mary, you, John and your family are in our prayers. John was a great guy, and we will miss him at the Saipan reunions.
John and Jan Murphy, Montgomery, TX
Vince & Roberta Bejarano
March 22, 2013
The Bejarano's send our sympathy to the family. You are in our prayers.
Tony and Annette Nucaro
March 22, 2013
Jesse and Mary, so sorry about Dad. It's hard to lose a parent. You will see him soon.
Nancy Kuhn
March 21, 2013
Mary,
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was a very special man. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Kuhn
laura cain
March 21, 2013
We are thinking of you all during this time of loss. Love to you Ray, Ladonna, Audrey, and all of the rest of your family. The Cain family.
Chuck Conger 111
March 21, 2013
I never met John Gallardo but I believe good men raise good sons and I consider Ray one of the best! May God through the Holy Spirit give you His peace and surround you with His love all of your days. Thank you for your friendship!
Kathy Gary Fritz
March 21, 2013
Mary, I am very sorry about losing your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Harter
March 20, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Bob King, Jr.
March 20, 2013
Ray, I just want to say how very sorry I am for your recent loss of your father. I know that this is a sad and difficult time for you.
At times like this our faith serves us well. We can take solace in knowing that your dad has gone to his eternal rest. He lived a faith-filled and upright life and he will be remembered for all the good that he did in his lifetime. If you need anything, I am here for you.
I ask that God bestow His choicest blessings on you and your wonderful family. May your faith give you the strength to carry on.
God Bless You,
Chippy & Anni Cripps
March 20, 2013
Ray,LaDonna and family we are so very sorry for the loss of your father, please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family during this difficult time. May you put your trust in God and stay strong in your faith. Know that we love you very much and are here for you if you need anything.
Juanita Gallardo
March 20, 2013
My uncle Johnny was the sweetest and most genuine person. He always had a smile on his face, and the most positive outlook on life. Uncle Johnny, I love you and I'll miss you so much. Love, Juanita
Gregoria Leoni
March 19, 2013
Dear Mary, Lisa, Felicia, Raymond, Jesse and John and family: Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Uncle John was a wonderful, warm, caring uncle. We have only the fondest of memories and enjoyed his and Mary's visits. We are so sorry we we be unable to attend the services this week, but please know we will be there in spirit, thought and prayer. Love, Gregoria, Vince, Elisabeth, Michael & Vincent
Debbie Fox/Cashmer
March 19, 2013
I'm so sorry for Ur loss...Ur family have always been close to me..use to work for Ur Dad along time ago...bless all of you..he was a great man
Kathy & Gene Garton
March 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way.
Lenne Orona
March 19, 2013
To John's family, I worked with John at Amoco/Motor Club in West Des Moines. We enjoyed his humor, gentleness and awesome cooking skills. May his family find joy to replace the saddness as they remember the joy he brought to others.
Judy Sunkle
March 19, 2013
My prayers goes out to the John Gallardo family. I was sorry to hear of your loss. May you all find comfort in this time of sorrow.
Jill Tompkins
March 19, 2013
Lisa and family, I am so sad to learn of your fathers passing. I know you will miss him and I hope your wonderful memories will give you peace. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all!
Jill and Don Tompkins and family
Jack & Ramona Powell
March 19, 2013
Mary we are so sorry your loved one has passed on. But we know he is with Jesus. God will give you the strength you need at this time. You are in our prayers. God Bless You. Semper Fidelis,Larry Nehring Marine Corps League and Auxiliary
Elizabeth Carnahan
March 19, 2013
Ray and LaDonna,
So sad to hear about your Dad Ray, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this hard time. Stay strong my friend.
Elizabeth
Chris Obrecht
March 19, 2013
My dear friend Lisa and the rest of the Gallardo-Valdez family, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. My heart goes out to you all. Wishing you peace that John is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you. Much love, Chris
gregory fox
March 19, 2013
Words cannot express the loss you are suffering but you can take comfort in knowing he is in heaven now. I will remember him fondly. RIP John!
David Murillo
March 18, 2013
John Gallardo was a good man who served his Country with courage and conviction and who was a beloved Father and friend to his children. John, Francie, and their children have been near and dear to the Murillo Family for decades. Mr. Gallardo stands with God now and his earthly presence lives on through Lisa, Raymond. Felicia, Jesse, and John Jr. as well as every United States Marine. Thanks John for the pleasure and privilege of calling you my friend for a lifetime.
March 18, 2013
Dear Ray, La Donna and family,
As always, our love, hearts and prayers are with you.
Mom and Dad Cooper
La Donna Gallardo
March 18, 2013
Thank you John for providing the gift of life, love, and family. I thank God, you and Fran every day for your son, Raymond. I am also very thankful for your other beautiful children. For the love and family you have provided, I will be eternally grateful. God bless you John. With love.
March 18, 2013
Dearest John,
We are so sorry to hear of your passing. However, we all know that the Good Lord will be in your presence at all times. Thank you for the love and kindness that you gave to your family and friends. We will all remember you as such a kind and generous soul. May God bless you and your wonderful family.
Gary & Deb Munoz
Elsie Doetsch
March 18, 2013
May his memory be a blessing.
Deb Ellis
March 18, 2013
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Bernadette Steele
March 18, 2013
Dear Mary and family,
John will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He always had a welcoming smile and kind words to share at our Marine reunions and some wonderful jokes. My prayers are with all of you at this time. Love and prayers,
catherine martinez
March 18, 2013
You leave an empty place in my heart Juanito. Watch over us and may the angels take you to heaven with God speed.