Galen B. St. John

Galen Barmore St. John, 95, of Pleasant Hill, IA passed away in Des Moines on September 12, 2022, surrounded by family. He was born September 18, 1926, in Des Moines, IA to Galen R. St. John and Frances Barmore St. John.

November 15, 1948, he married Margaret L. Rauch in Leon, IA.

Galen is survived by his three children: Linda St. John of Bloomington, MN, Doyle (Sheila) St. John of Canton, TX, and Dottie (Jerry) Johnson of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren: Sharon (Rick) Andrews of Des Moines, IA, Shawn (Sandra) St. John of Canton, TX, James (Liberty) Johnson of Bettendorf, IA, and Daniel Johnson of West Des Moines, IA; great-grandchildren: Kayla and John Andrews, Erica and twins, Cody and Tyler St. John, Jacob, Isaac, Grace and Noah Johnson, Noah Streeter, Emily, Alan and Jesse St. John; six great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gloria (Don) Rauch Pierson; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Margaret and grandson, Galen R. St. John.

Galen and Margaret made their first home in rural Decatur Co., IA and were engaged in farming, then moving to Des Moines in 1953, where he worked for the Rock Island Lines as a Brakeman and Conductor for 21 years. He then started a rewarding career with his independent insurance agency on Des Moines’ south side.

He enjoyed being a part of Pleasant Hill’s early growth, serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, various committees, and was also elected to the City Council.

Galen was a member of the Masonic Lodge since the age of 21, and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Za Ga Zig Shrine.

Family will greet friends Sunday, September 18, 2022 at East Gate Masonic Lodge, 2501 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA – 1:00 p.m. visitation, 2:00 p.m. service.

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