Leo R. Zagnoli

Leo Zagnoli, 90, passed away Sunday, April 29, 2012, from a heart ailment, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.

Leo was born September 18, 1921, in Des Moines, to Lee and Anna (Peel) Zagnoli. He graduated from East High in 1940, and served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. He was also a jeweler for Plumb’s Jewelry Store for many years. Leo was baptized at St. Peter’s Catholic Church and has been a lifetime member. He was also a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the American Legion Baldwin-Patterson Post 274. He was a talented carpenter and enjoyed fishing.

At the age of 11, Leo and his twin brother worked for their neighbor at their popcorn stand in the city park located on the corner of East 14th & Grand. After returning from WWII, the twin brothers established Zag’s Popcorn at the Iowa State Fair. It has been passed down to family and is now known as Zag’s Italian Sausage.

Leo is survived by his twin brother, Robert J. Zagnoli of Des Moines; sisters, Clara M. Zagnoli and Della White, both of Des Moines; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tony Zagnoli, Joseph Zagnoli and Robert Peel, and his sisters, Marie Thoren and Grace Zagnoli.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 3, 2012, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 618 18th Street, Des Moines, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.

Memorial contributions may be made to his church.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the VA Hospital and staff for the years of excellent medical care Leo has received.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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