Buddy Bellis, Sr.

January 18, 2022

Buddy Bellis, Sr.

Service Details

Buddy Bellis Sr. beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend died Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. He was surrounded by his 4 sons and the spirit of his wife and daughter when he passed. He was 85 years old.

Buddy was born Buddy Lou Bellis in 1936 in Fayette, Iowa to parents Edward and Lois Bellis. Moving with family, at an early age, to Des Moines. Buddy a graduate of East High School in Des Moines, played baseball and football, and eventually found his true passion for the game of golf.

A lifelong east sider who enjoyed participating in many sports, Bud excelled in bowling for company and couples’ leagues. He also played in men’s fastpitch softball, taking part in the Des Moines Commercial fastpitch leagues. Bud's true love was golf where he competed successfully in the Des Moines City Golf Tournament for years. He also loved camping, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.

As childhood sweethearts, Bud found his true love early and married Joy Marie Smith, also an east sider. Buddy provided for his family, working for Delavan Manufacturing and then Townsend Engineering where he retired.

Buddy is survived by his four sons, Buddy Jr.(Steffany) Bellis, Bryan (Cathy) Bellis, Brad (Laurie) Bellis, and Bret (Christy) Bellis; son-in-law, Brian Christian; eighteen grandchildren, Amanda Bellis, Austin Bellis & Haley Urness, Aaron, Brianna, and Nicole Bellis, Abby (Brian) Gwyin, Adam (Paige) Christian, Lindsey (Paul) Weis, Meredith Batz, Lauren Bellis, Christian, and Caitlyn Bellis; five great-grandchildren, Izabella and Tate Gwyin, Colt Christian, George, and Frasier Weis; and five siblings, Erna Warren, Larry (Martha) Bellis, Sheryl Calhoun, Jean Ann Scigliano, and Steve (Sue) Bellis.

Buddy is preceded in death by his wife, Joy Bellis, and daughter Debbie Christian.

A memorial service will be hosted on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313. Visitation ceremony held prior at 9:00 a.m. The family kindly asks that masks be worn.

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Buddy’s honor to the East High Alumni Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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