Trent William Litten
August 25, 2021
Trent William Litten passed away August 25th, 2021 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Trent was born on December 18, 1954 and was raised in Findley, Ohio by Carol (Smith) and Dean Litten.
He graduated from Findley High School and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering from DeVry University. After completing his studies, he worked for Roche Diagnostics and was a Top Sales Representative. At the same time, he owned and operated Last Chance Guitars and Professional Music Center, located at 1710 NW 86th Street in Clive, IA; Professional Music Center will remain open until sold. Trent was united in marriage to Ingrid (Rahe) Litten on September 7, 2005 in Maui, HI. They shared their life with their four small dogs.
Trent had a love for all animals, and a passion for everything about guitars. Through his guitar business, Trent provided equipment for many bands that performed in Des Moines. He donated many guitars to a variety of different charities and schools for fundraisers over the years. He loved to go to the shows and support the bands that visited his shop taking personal interest his customer’s needs. His customer service was superior! He enjoyed having novice musicians come into the shop to purchase their first guitar. Trent also played in a cover band in the early 2000’s.
Trent Litten is survived by his wife, Ingrid Litten; parents, Dean and Carol Litten; brother, Troy Litten; sister, Dawn Bennett; father and mother-in-law, Robert and Constance (VanDoren) Rahe; four small dogs; several aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Trent.
Per the family wishes, Trent will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be expressed at Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.
Charles Pfaltzgraf
09/09/2021
Dear Ingrid, My deepest condolences to put to you. Like Dr. Brian Cole, I was the next door neighbor and best friend of Trent. His musicianship as a cellist were the seeds that developed his love of the guitar. His band famously performed at our 1983 Senior FHS prom. From backyard tackle football to countless games of basketball and board games from electric football to scrabble. His Mom and Dad were like a second set of parents to me. The corner. The corner of Londonderry Dr and Imperial Lane was where we all carved out our youthful and amazing futures. Again my love goes out to you in your celebration of his great life.
Mark Hopkins
09/03/2021
Ingrid: I want you to know Trent is on the mind and heart of many of his friends. He never knew a stranger, just someone he hadnt spoken to yet. I knew him from Last Chance Guitars, and moved from DesMoines and didnt keep in touch. I was anxious to see him at his Inductee to Rock And Roll Hall of fame in Spirit Lake this weekend which he so deserved. I am for ever great full to him for the guitars we worked deals on I always tell people he didnt sell guitars, he provided the guitar experience he didnt pressure, and always had a way of when you left you were not only grinning from ear to ear, but happy that you had a small piece of him to take home with you. Rest In Peace Trent we may never had told you, but you were the kind of guy that the world was a better place for you being in it
Brian Cole
08/31/2021
We all have those very-first best friends. Trent was among those for me. We have probably not seen each other since we were 18; different middle schools, different high schools, different interests, and other friends. But when I drive down Londonderry Drive toward his childhood home on the corner, I think of him. When I hear certain songs we enjoyed as kids I remember. When I wish I had been better at learning the guitar, he crosses my mind. I express for his parents and family sincere peace and condolences.
Brian
Shirley Cole
08/31/2021
Thinking of your family. So sorry to read this in the local paper. I remember Trent in his youth and activities at Wilson Vance. Wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Jill Wasbro Wagner
08/31/2021
The Littens have our sympathy. We looked up to Trent as an upper-classman in orchestra. My sister, Jody, still has his cello. May he Rest In Peace.
Shari & Russell Bird
08/30/2021
Ingrid, Our deepest sympathies for your loss.
💞
Jeff Gehring
08/30/2021
Such sad news to hear of Trent's passing. My deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Trent from before the Last Chance days, and always really enjoyed talking with him when we were in town. I did amp repair for him as an enjoyable sideline prior to our leaving DSM for KC. I always got a smile from his unique taxidermy collection! A great guy who will be missed by many.
Wendy
08/30/2021
Dear Ingrid, thinking of you in this time of sorrow
and loss of Trent.
Many memorable conversations and laughter were had. RIP Trent.
Ontario Canada
Mike Proctor
08/30/2021
Ingrid, my deepest condolences to you and Trents family. We were good friends for many years. He will be truly missed.
Bob Malcom
08/29/2021
My deepest condolences to all of Trent's family and employees. It was always a joy to stop by the store and chat gear and guitarists with him. Such a wealth of knowledge and just an all around great guy who truly cared about all of his customers, whether they were looking at a starter instrument, an upgrade to something better, or a top notch professional gigging unit. He treated everyone with respect and made sure the guitar was set up correctly before it went out the door. He will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends, but by the entire guitar community in Iowa.
Frank Karasinski
08/29/2021
I am so sorry to hear the news about Trent. My prayers and condolences go out to Ingrid and family. Ive know Trent since the early days of Last Chance Guitars on 35th Street in Des Moines. Bought lots of music equipment from Trent at Professional Music Center. Had many long conversations with Trent on many topics. I just saw Trent two weeks ago and had a wonderful conversation. We laughed and smiled together. I will miss Trent dearly. He was a blessing to the local and national music scene. RIP Trent!
Michael Demoret
08/29/2021
Ingrid, my heart goes out to you. Peace be with you. Treat was a good friend. I recently moved to AR.
Peace and Love. Michael
Wade Krieg
08/28/2021
I am so very sorry to hear about Trent, he was such a good, kind man and always treated me so well at Professional Music. My deepest condolences to Ingrid and his family.