John Brazelton
October 31, 2014
John J. Brazelton, 89, passed away Friday, October 31, 2014 at Bickford Place in Urbandale where he had resided for the 4 days prior to his death.
John was born April 29, 1925 in Des Moines to Jesse and Florence (Swertfager) Brazelton. He was a lifelong Des Moines resident. John served in the Coast Guard from age 17 -21 during WWII.
He married Rose Marie McGraven on July 8, 1964. They had a happy loving life together. John cared for Rose Marie at home and later at Bishop Drumm following her illness. He worked many years as a carpenter and maintenance supervisor. He was very talented and creative.
John is survived by nieces, nephews and many friends.
John was preceded in death by his wife; parents and siblings.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 618 E. 18th Street, Des Moines with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Peter Catholic Church.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Larry Miller
11/06/2014
John
You were a wonderful guy. When I spent time with Terry B I always enjoyed the time we would get together. Never forget to old Owens boat you had. What a classic.
Rest in piece our prayers are with you
Rebecka (Boyd) Bishop
11/06/2014
I remember when John first joined our family. Rose Marie was my father's (Kenny Boyd) favorite cousin and he felt very protective of her. He certainly had some reservations at first as to whether John was going to be "good enough" for her. It soon became apparent what a good man he was and how much he loved Rose Marie. John also played a big role in my brother Jeff's life when at the age of 11, Jeff and he built a car that won the soap box derby in Des Moines that summer. We saw them again a short time before Rose Marie's death. My father, already deceased, would have been impressed, but by that time, not surprised by John's tender, loving care toward Rose Marie.
Matthew Howe
11/05/2014
Uncle Johnny was one of my most cherished uncles. I will always hold on to the many joyful memories I have from visiting and family reunions. One of my most favorite, of many, memories with him was the time he let me drive his car, on this lap. We were all taking turns and Uncle Johnny even let me "the baby drive. My brother, sister and cousins were all amazed and in that moment, as always, he made us all feel like the most important kid there ever was. I love you Uncle Johnny and though I am so saddened to lose you, I am overjoyed at the thought of you back with your true love, Aunt Rosemarie. I hope and pray that I can be to others what you were to all of us.
Well done good and faithful servant. Matthew 25:23
JOANN MEUSBURGER
11/04/2014
John and my husband George were in partnership carpentry in the 1960's. John was such a good man. He and Rosemarie were the Godparents to our daughter Candy. She loved being with them. john had very special talents, he also dearly loved his Rosemarie. RIP John, My love and prayers. Joann
Mackenzie Schmitt
11/03/2014
Johnny was like a second Grandfather to me every Sunday at St Peters Church and if I was lucky on a random day of the week when he was visiting my Grandparents to play cards or just to chat. I was lucky to be one of his "grandkids". I have so many wonderful memories of Johnny and Rosemarie, I will cherish them forever. It saddens me I won't be able to make the trip from Colorado but I will be there in spirit. Its selfish to say I wish I could have had one last goodbye because I can see his smiling face now that he is reunited with his Rosemarie. Love you Johnny. Go Hawks.
Sue Schmitt
11/03/2014
John was called the "kid magnet" at St Peter's church because every kid wanted a hug from him.
I loved John and his hugs, I remember him always being part of my life. He will be missed by my whole family but he's reunited with Roseamarie and smiling down on us.