Ralph J. Farnsworth, Jr.

Ralph J. Farnsworth, Jr. passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the age of 74. He was born to Ralph Sr. and Helen Farnsworth on December 26, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. In 1944, the family returned home to Des Moines, Iowa where Ralph remained for the rest of his life.

Ralph served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He worked in construction for many years as a cement finisher. He was then a car salesman for Hazlebaker Chevrolet. Before his retirement, he was the owner of the UpTown Tap.

Ralph enjoyed time spent with family. He loved reminiscing about times past, and was a great storyteller in his own right. He very much enjoyed WWII history. Ralph loved road trips – so much so that sometimes no one even realized he was going until he was gone. In his younger years, he enjoyed fast cars, hunting, and fishing with his sons.

He is survived by his three sons, Ralph III (Debbie), Doug, and Scott Farnsworth, all of Des Moines, eight grandchildren, Lynnsey, Ryan, Jennifer, Christopher, Craig, Brandy, Jacob and Justin and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Jan) Farnsworth of Des Moines, sisters, Janet (Rich) Glessner of Bettendorf, IA and Carole (Bill) Raffensperger of Des Moines, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Helen Farnsworth, brothers, Fred and Chris Farnsworth, nephew, Steven Farnsworth and niece, Jodi Ellis-Thomas.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2018, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2018, also at Hamilton’s, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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