Alan L. Lander

Alan Luverne Lander, 71, residing in Des Moines, Iowa passed away on August 27, 2022, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center following complications of a heart attack.

Alan was born May 6, 1951 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Merlin and Mabel Lander. He graduated from North High School in 1969, and obtained a B.A. and M.A. in education. He taught for more than 28 years in Des Moines Public Schools before he retired in 2011.

He met his wife Donna when they were 16 years old at Union Park United Methodist Church in Des Moines, where he was a lifelong member. They married May 27, 1972 and had two daughters, Heather and Hollie.

Alan was a devoted father, husband and an awesome Papa to his grandchildren. He enjoyed coaching his daughters’ softball teams and loved watching them play. He loved fishing at Camp Wesley Woods, where he and his family camped and volunteered. He also built model trains and bowled in an after-school teachers’ league. He had a dry sense of humor, and always could be counted on for a witty response.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barb Sumers, and his father and mother-in-law. He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Donna and his beloved dog, Chloe May. He is also survived by his daughter Heather (Steve) Campbell of Indianola and their children Alissa (Jesse), Ashley (Levi), and Nicholas and his daughter Hollie (Kurt) Knake of Syracuse, Nebraska and their children, Camden, Colin, Jordan, Kaden, and Kirsten. He also leaves behind several nieces, a nephew, cousins, and many lifelong friends.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday September 1 from 5-8 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home near Highland Memory Gardens. Funeral services will be held Friday September 2 at 11 a.m. at Union Park United Methodist Church, with a luncheon immediately following. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made in Alan’s name to Union Park United Methodist Church or Camp Wesley Woods.

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