Dr. Hanna "John" Wanna

Dr. Hanna (John) Wanna, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded in love by his family on October 28, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines, Iowa at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 11, 2022, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Jordan Cemetery, also in West Des Moines.

Dr. Wanna was born December 4, 1935 to Tanios and Maria Wanna in Lebanon. He grew up on his parents’ small working farm and flour mill. During his childhood, he enjoyed spending time with his six siblings hunting, horseback riding, and helping on the farm.
His parents instilled the value of hard work and education. He was valedictorian of his high school class and continued his academic career at the American University of Beirut, graduating with Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees.

Following his graduation, he embarked on a nearly 40-year career in medicine. After nearly a decade in family practice in Saudi Arabia, he decided to specialize in anesthesia and completed his training in Syracuse, New York. He taught briefly at the University of Iowa and then dedicated the rest of his career to private practice with Associated Anesthesiologists in Des Moines, Iowa. He loved being an anesthesiologist and was well respected by his peers, known for his work ethic and kind bedside manner.

While practicing in Saudi Arabia, he married Leila El Daher of Lebanon. She joined him in moving to the United States in 1975, becoming citizens in 1981. They made their home in West Des Moines, Iowa, and raised three children – Camille, Nabil, and Catherine – to whom he passed the value of education along with lessons learned over a remarkable life.

When he was not working, he loved all things golf. His idea of the perfect day opened with playing 18 holes and closed with watching the Golf Channel in the evenings. The only thing that surpassed his love for golf was spending time with his greatest source of joy - his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Leila; his children, Nabil (Leslie) Wanna of Vernon Hills, IL and Catherine (Eric) Drexler of Urbandale, IA; his grandchildren, Lauren, Samuel, Elise, and Grace; his brother, Joseph Wanna of Atlanta, GA; and his sister, Souad Bridson of Harvey Bay, Australia; as well as many nieces and nephews across the world.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, Said, Fouad, Saidi, and George Wanna, and his son, Camille Wanna.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Easterseals Iowa, 401 N.E. 66th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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