Sarg Fontanini
December 31, 2011
Sarg Fontanini, 96, passed away Saturday December 31, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 5, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church, where he was a charter member. A burial service will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church, with a vigil service at 5:30 PM.
Sarg was born September 8, 1915, in the province of Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. He later came to Iowa as a young child with his family. Sarg was a proud Army veteran of WWII serving in Europe and the Aleutian Islands. His career spanned many years in the food brokerage business retiring in 1980 from Seavey and Florsheim. Sarg was a well known amateur golfer who began playing at the age of 13 and he continued to enjoy playing until this past summer. Sarg had many accomplishments on the golf course including 9 holes-in-one. He won many titles including four Des Moines Mens City Championships, two Herman Sani Open titles and a title at the Northwest Amateur. In 1956, he made it to the quarter finals of the US Amateur,Championship, which qualified him for a spot in the 1957 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. In 1995, he was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame. He could often be seen at some of his favorite places including Blank Golf Course, Willow Creek Golf Course, Southridge Mall, The South Side Senior Center, and dancing at Francie's on Saturday nights.
Sarg had a passion for life which he lived to the fullest. He will always be remembered for his love of family, dancing and golf. Sarg was proceeded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bernice. He is survived by his children, Debbie and Bob Morlan, Denise and Jim Trower, Greg and Suzie Fontanini, Fr. Chris Fontanini, and John Paul Fontanini; grandchildren, Brian and Michael Morlan, Jennifer, Heather, Jim and Rick Trower, Gina and Anna Fontanini; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Hannah Tomlinson.
In keeping with his charitable heart, contributions may be made to the Sarg Fontanini Lincoln High School Scholarship Fund, or Christ the King Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jennifer Putney
01/05/2012
Denise and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, at the passing of your Beloved Dad Sarg. May God Bless you all at this painful time. Your friend, Jennifer Putney
Jennifer Krysa
01/05/2012
I want to say how sorry I am and have been thinking about you all. Sarg hated therapy but always had a smile and said thank you when we were done. It was a pleasure to meet him and all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Jennifer ( physical therapy, regency care center)
Kirby Froehlich
01/05/2012
I am from Spencer and have fond memories of your father Sarg from the Northwest Amateur when I was 16 in 1960 as I always tried to caddie for Sarg, Luti or Floren D. for the tournament but they would never use anyone else than the Finnigan brothers from Ruthven. I have no idea why, but I always got a good golfer that competed with them in the championship flight. I always enjoyed watching Sarg's swing as it was so pure and of course his name is still in the championship board at the club house today and when I go out there I always take time to read the names of the past winners from those days. Iowa golf has lost a great and my thoughts a prayers are with the family. I am Kirby Froehlich and still live in Spencer today. My email address is kirbyanddiane@smunet.net
John Jordan
01/04/2012
Sending my condolences to Debbie, Denise, Greg and John Paul. Sorry I cannot be there for the celebration of your fathers life. God bless all of you and your families.
Michael Weitl
01/04/2012
Father Chris,
I send you my prayers and condolences as you mourn the loss of your father, Sarg.
God be praised for everything.
I am spending Christmas break at Madonna House in England, and I head back to rome on Saturday. I will ask the other members of Madonna House to pray with me for the repose of your father's soul, for you, and for your family.
I pray that this time is grace-filled for everyone.
In Christ,
Michael Weitl
Chuck and Janalyn Phillips
01/04/2012
Father Chris,
We were saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I'm sure you have wonderful memories to carry with you- including time together on the golf course. You're in our thoughts and prayers,
Chuck and Janalyn
Carolyn Beck
01/04/2012
Dear Denise, We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family at this time of sadness. Your comfort will come thru God and each other along with all your friends who love you. I'm sorry we can't be there for the services, but you're in our hearts and prayers.
Arlen & Carolyn Beck
Dean & Charlotte Fett
01/03/2012
Dear Father Chris and Family, We are sorry to hear about Sarg and
will continue to pray for the Fontanini family. It is our hope that
you will always remember the good times that all of you shared.
Love, Dean and Charlotte Fett
Marybelle & Mac
01/03/2012
Mac and I are so sorry to hear of Uncle Sarge's passing. He will be truly missed. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend to help celebrate his life. Our love to all of you!
Carolyn Allen Mullenix
01/03/2012
Denise and family:
Your dad was loved by all who knew him - I bet he is dancing and playing golf now with your mom!
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
Ann McFall
01/03/2012
My prayers and sympathy go out to the Fontanini Family. May Sarge rest in Peace with your Mother and the two become your guardian angels.
Ann McFall
Marty and Mike Ohrt
01/02/2012
Denise we are so sorry to hear about your father. My heart and prayers are with you now and your family. Love to you, Marty
Sam & Lois Kauffman
01/02/2012
Fr. Chris and family of Sarg Fontanini:
Please accept our sincere condolences. We always enjoyed your parents when they visited Audubon, remember them dancing at your 40th birthday party.
God Bless all of you and know that you are in our prayers.
Sam & Lois
Lynn Clary
01/02/2012
The golf season won't seem right without Sarge playing with us on Thurdaya at Willow. Sarge was quite a guy-he taught us a lot about golf and like itself our thoughts are with the family.