Joseph M. Guthrie

Devoted husband, father, and grandfather Joe Guthrie passed away July 10, 2009 after a lengthy illness.
Born in 1938 to Irish immigrants in Detroit, Joe graduated from Holy Redeemer High School and received a degree from Henry Ford Community College, before beginning his career with Massey Ferguson in 1957. It was his position with the company that brought Joe and his family to Des Moines in 1974. Joe retired from Massey Ferguson after 30 years of service. Not satisfied with being retired, Joe later worked for NPI Security for approximately ten years.
An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, Joe took great pleasure in following the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Iowa Hawkeyes, as well as supporting the athletic, academic and career endeavors of his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of St. Anthony’s parish, serving as a greeter and usher.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Redmond and Mary (Duggan) Guthrie, and sister Kathleen Ganter.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy (Koch); sons Brian of Kansas City, MO, Michael of Gardner, KS, Christopher and wife Stephanie of Des Moines; and daughter Maureen and husband Jim Dempsey of West Des Moines. Surviving grandchildren include: Ryan Guthrie of Marshall, MO, Patrick Guthrie of Chicago, IL, Michael and Meghan Dempsey of West Des Moines and Carson Guthrie of Des Moines. Joe is also survived by his sister Ellen (Nellie) Grams of Livonia, MI, as well as a host of relatives, long time friends and neighbors.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Joe's life with a visitation from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Vigil, on Monday, July 13th, at Hamilton's Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14th, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial at Glendale Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions in honor of Joe be given to the Hospice of Central Iowa, St. Anthony's Foundation or a charity of your choice. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Angela Sandre, Penni Blackman and the staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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