Rollie McClatchey

Rollie Francis McClatchey died February 21, 2016 surrounded by his family, eight days after his beloved wife, Jean passed away. A joint memorial service for the couple will be held Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. followed by an open house until 3 p.m. at Wesley Acres in the Chamberlain House, 3520 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Iowa.

Rollie was born on December 7, 1919 to Perl and Golda McClatchey in Palisade, Nebraska. Rollie grew up on a farm in York, Nebraska where he developed a strong work ethic that would serve him his entire life. After graduating from high school, Rollie moved to Des Moines and worked in a variety of jobs including a candy factory, a variety store and at Addressograph Sales.

Rollie met Jean Miller on a blind date and they were married in 1941. Rollie served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 testing torpedoes in the Chesapeake Bay. In 1948 Rollie started the business, Industrial Supplies with his father-in-law, Ed Miller. Rollie worked there until he retired in 1998. Rollie and Jean had 2 children, a son Denny, and daughter, Deb. He was Denny’s first Little League coach. Rollie and Denny were interested in Ham radio and took classes together receiving their license in Ham radio. Rollie took an active interest in Deb’s horseback riding, helping to train her horses.

As a teenager, Rollie enjoyed woodworking but had no experience in house construction. He bought a book titled “How to Build a House for $7500 or Less” and in 1950 started building his family’s first home in Des Moines, completing it in 1951. He also helped to design other family homes. Rollie and Jean were active members of First United Methodist Church. They enjoyed their circle of church friends and played bridge every Saturday night. Religion was very important to Rollie. He and Jean were very involved with church activities and also attended retreats through Partners in Prayer. Rollie had a great sense of humor and an engaging personality which gave him a wide circle of friends.

Rollie and Jean enjoyed 74 years of marriage and their love of travel took them to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, Africa and Europe. Every summer the family would take trips to Minnesota and Colorado where, with family and friends, they would participate in activities including horseback riding, rafting and a favorite pastime, water skiing. Rollie also enjoyed teaching others to ski. He was very close to his three brothers all his life and was fortunate to have an extended close knit family. He loved attending big family reunions in Nebraska.

Rollie is survived by his children, Denny (Margaret) and Deb (Jeff) Ames; four grandchildren, Christopher (Misti), Jonathan, Valerie (Christian Garcia) Ames, and Scott Ames; one great-grandchild, Rollie; his brothers, James and Denzil (Marjorie); sister-in-law, Velda McClatchey; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, parents, brother Don, and sister-in-law Rhea McClatchey.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, 1001 Pleasant St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309.

Condolences may be expressed online at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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