Oliver Chingren

Oliver Lowell Chingren, 89, passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 30, 2016. Oliver was born in Boxholm, Iowa in 1927 to Fern and Oliver Chingren. After attending Fort Dodge High School, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in World War II. Oliver briefly attended Iowa State University before moving to California where he worked as a civil Engineer draftsman and land surveyor for the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power from 1956 until his retirement. One of Oliver’s first projects for the City of Los Angeles was to design the iconic five-point brass star used in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1958, Oliver married Patricia Jean Basil and they had two daughters. Widowed unexpectedly at the age of 49, Oliver pursued many hobbies including stained glass creations, gardening, cycling, running and race walking.

In 1994, Oliver returned to Iowa to be near his daughters and their families. He pursued his passion for art by becoming a full time student at Grand View University, graduating at the age of 80 with an art degree. He continued his studies at Drake University, welding steel sculptures and life-size stained glass animals. To his great enjoyment, he had several art shows in the Des Moines area.

Surviving Oliver are his two daughters, Diane (Bill) Boyd and Gloria Behrens; grandchildren Haley, Will and Katherine Boyd and Christina and Sarah Behrens. Oliver is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his brothers Jim, Gerald, and Don; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Behrens.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Erin Netteland and the entire staff at Walnut Ridge Senior Living Community.

A graveside service will take place in Newport Beach, California at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Grand View University Art Department, Advancement Office, 1200 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. 50316. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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