Harold A. DeSmidt
June 25, 2012
Harold A. DeSmidt was born in Humboldt, Iowa, on July 29, 1917, the son of Abraham and Emma Gatton DeSmidt. He attended Humboldt schools and the University of Iowa.
In February of 1943, he was married to Mildred Dunlevy of Ft. Dodge, the daughter of Clarence and Mary Ellen Dunlevy. The marriage took place in Washington D.C., where the couple lived while Harold served in the Navy Department. They returned to Iowa in 1946.
Harold retired after many years with American Federal Savings and Loan, formerly Home Federal Savings and Loan in Des Moines.
For many years they made their home on an acreage, where Harold enjoyed gardening and yard work. He also enjoyed traveling, as well.
He was a member of the Des Moines Men’s Garden Club, the Des Moines Optimists Club, King David Masonic Lodge, The Saturday Lunch Bunch, and the Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
Harold is survived by his wife, Mildred; two sons, Gary Abraham (Dianne) and Michael (Nancy); five grandchildren, Amy Blatt (Bill), Andrew (Kim), David (Cara), Stephanie Apple (Jason), and Michelle Huss (Dave). Nine great-grandchildren also mourn his loss.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2012, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, with burial following at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to service time on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Park Presbyterian Church in loving memory of Harold.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ruth DeSmidt Elwood
07/02/2012
To Mildred and family. Diane DeSmidt called me tonight and told me of Harold's death. I'm sorry I lost touch with you, but my sincere sympathy. It was such a treat when you stopped in Columbus, NE to see us. I am now in CO. My email is ruthdelwood@gmail.com
Ruth Blaney
06/27/2012
I send you all sincere sympathies. My most vivid memories of Abe are riding to East High School each morning as he dropped Gary and me off on his way to work. Last year I went with Dad to the Saturday Lunch Bunch and I started the East High fight song! Abe sang the East fight song right along with everyone who had graduated from East! He brought fun along with him. He will be missed.