Keith L. Van Nimwegen

With great sadness, the Van Nimwegen family would like to share with you the passing of Keith Lee Van Nimwegen in the afternoon of Friday, October 30, 2026. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Ave. West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Keith was born on May 21, 1943 the son of Marion John and Margaret Van Nimwegen and the elder brother of Glenn Van Nimwegen. They were always the closest of brothers and if asked, Keith could not think of a single time when he and Glenn ever argued or disagreed. Keith was preceded in death by his parents and sadly, his younger brother, Glenn.

Keith led a colorful life. He grew up in Pella, IA and worked with his father in the family business, Van Nimwegen Painting, often being seen around town in his paint splattered shoes and white coveralls. Shortly after high school in 1962, he married Carolyn Van Dusseldorp. Together, they were blessed with five cherished children, Margie DeHeer (Vint), Melissa Van Nimwegen, Melinda Van Nimwegen, Ken Van Nimwegen (Amy) and Marcia Cook (Andrew). Keith’s big heart extended to include all those he was near, including Carolyn’s daughter, Julie Cepin, whom he viewed just as much a part of his family. During his early married life, Keith travelled to Des Moines to train as a computer programmer at Des Moines Area Community College and completed his degree at Grandview College. Keith excelled at programming and went on to teach programming to others at Des Moines Area Community College. Keith went on to work at several places in Des Moines such as Iowa Paint and Brenton Banks. He moved into computer programming for Statesman Insurance Company. Prior to this move, Keith and Carolyn had gone their separate ways and Keith relocated to Des Moines to continue his career. Keith spent most of his career working at Homesteaders Life Insurance Company. It was during his time there that he met Patricia Murphy. They married in 1983 and were blessed with two wonderful children, Tiffany Hollenbeck (Greg) and Colby Van Nimwegen (Addie). Keith was a very proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren. You could always find Keith laughing and enjoying spending time with his family.

Although Keith achieved a lot in his lifetime, such as owning six different Medicap Pharmacies and enjoying trading on the stock market, there was so much his mind loved to explore. In his younger years, he was never seen without a camera around his neck and snapping endless pictures. One of Keith’s greatest joys was spending time with his family and grandkids which sometimes took him to local recreation grounds, but other times to different places around the world. He had several interests, including his passion for trains and old tractors which was only rivalled by his love of desserts-especially cherry dilly bars and bread pudding! He also enjoyed volunteering at the West Des Moines Human Services Food pantry. Keith loved to go fishing up in Minnesota with his close friends and kids, though Keith was just as often found cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events and activities. He was always up for playing endless games of Uno and Monopoly (a firm favorite) with his grandkids as well as visiting nature spots with Patty and taking in the beauty and wonder they instilled. Nearly every photo you find of him in his later life, are of him, full of smiles while holding a grandchild, reading to them or watching them engage in silly antics. If it wasn’t the grandkids, then Keith would be seen with one of the family cats, whom he doted on and adored, curled up on his chest or lap as he chatted away with them and stroked them tirelessly. When you spoke with Keith, he would always tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his children. He wouldn’t hesitate to tell people how proud he was of all his kids and the people they had become and all that they themselves had achieved. Keith was almost always seen with a smile on his face and a laugh in his throat. He will be missed greatly by all those he has left behind. He has left some pretty big, paint splattered shoes to fill.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Des Moines Human Services, 139-6th St. West Des Moines, IA 50265.