Carl West

Carl James West, 87, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 1054th Street SW, Altoona. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Altoona Cemetery.

Carl was born at home on March 8, 1930, to Louis and Hattie of Loup City, NE. He was fifth of seven siblings and grew up on the farm until he left home at the age of 18 to begin work for International Harvester in Grand Island, NE. He married Mary Lou Winfrey on Sept 4, 1950, and they were blessed with three children - Cathryn Sue Sorensen (Bob), Mark William (Dayna) and David Carl (Barb). He was a very proud Grandpa who enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren, Joshua, Brandon (Karla), Emily (Zach), Matthew, Zack (Marissa), Nathan and Jacob, and was always interested in what they were doing and learning. He was also Great Grandpa to Michael and Nathan.

He worked for IH for nearly 30 years rising through a variety of positions from mechanic to manager. Later in life, he made a career change and worked for the USPS in Urbandale the remaining years of his working life.

The most important decision he ever made was surrendering his life to Jesus Christ around age 30. He held various positions in the churches he attended from teaching Sunday School to serving as a trustee and deacon.

He loved to work on cars, could fix anything, loved order and organization and working outside. Carl and Mary Lou loved to travel and did so by motorcycle, car, airplane, motorhome and ship throughout the U.S. as well as enjoyed several cruises.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, one sibling, Fred and his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorial Gifts may be made to Bondurant Federated Church or Crossroads Community Church in Grimes.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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