Clifton A. Rooney
February 16, 2022
Clifton Arthur Rooney, age 81, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022.
Clifton was born September 21, 1940 in Osceola, Iowa to Arthur and Mildred (Bales) Rooney. He was an educator for over 38 years, and was instrumental in opening one of the first alternative high schools in Iowa. Clifton was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, and was responsible in part for bringing the bald eagle population back to Iowa.
He is survived by his sons, Craig (Cathy) Rooney and Todd Rooney; special granddaughter, Skylar; brother, Marvin (Marti) Rooney; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Clifton was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Sharon and his brother, Gary.
Services will be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. There will be light snacks and refreshments served during the visitation. The service will be livestreamed through the link below.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Animal Lifeline of Iowa.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Don White
02/23/2022
I appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye to an acquaintance who always presented a positive and humorous outlook on life. I'm not surprised so many friends and relatives had so much kind words to deliver.
Mike Agey
02/23/2022
Sincere condolences to the family. I know he and Sharon are smiling down on us. I will miss his jokes and stories. He has made me more knowledgeable in so many topics through our visits and discussions. I wish I could be there today but had to watch remotely and smile remembering his wit and humor.
Marie
02/23/2022
Sending my thoughts and condolences to the Rooney family.
Bill Dunn
02/23/2022
Idk where to start. Really! Another great one takin from us!
Class of 1990
Dennis Alcala
02/23/2022
Today is a sad day to lose such a good man. I send my condolences to the family. I new Cliff since I was a kid. I will always remember Cliff as being a great teacher, and a great hunter, he was a very smart and very wise man. The ducks he carved were amazing. I loved visiting with Cliff, it seemed like every time I did I walked away more educated then before. I'll sure miss him, I'm just sorry I never got to personally thank him for the pheasant print he signed and gave me so Thank You Cliff I'll cherish it as long as I live. RIP
Brenda Routh
02/21/2022
Cliff was a great conservation teacher at South Alternative(now Scavo) If it weren't for him & Jim Carnahan,I would've never learned how to use a canoe. They made it a fun learning experience! I'll never forget our overnight river trip on the Raccoon River.R.I.P. Sir. You will be greatly missed!
Greg Lewis
02/21/2022
Your great sense of humor and laugh while having conversations at IKES, I will miss you..
Kelli crabb-snyder
02/20/2022
Clif,
Thank you for pushing me when you was my advisor to graduate you will nvr knw the impact you had on me and pushing me to do my best and to graduate you helped me to be the women iam today if it wasn't for you pushing me everyday to go to class and to not care about nothing but staying on track to do what needed to be done for me to go places in my life....... I love you so much Clif and can't wait to meet u again on the other side
Rick Mergens
02/19/2022
Marv, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. We enjoyed so many hunting trips along with a few beers with your wonderful family. Every time I visit my parents home, I get reminded of Cliff's incredible artistic talent, as I view his wood duck painting displayed in their home for the past 28 years.
Give my love to Marty and family.
Rick Mergens
David Leach
02/18/2022
Cliff you were a great teacher and mentor not to mention a friend as I grew into adulthood. We asked you to be our son's Godfather and you agreed. You will forever be in my heart. Thank you for helping me become who I am today with your truthful blunt advice. RIP Cliff I will think of you anytime I see wildlife and even more!
David Leach