Owen L. Quaintance

Owen L. Quaintance
Des Moines, Iowa

Owen Quaintance, 74, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on December 13, 2022, after a 16 month battle with esophageal cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 27, from 5-7pm at Hamilton’s Funeral Home on Lyon St.

Owen was born on January 13th, 1948 in Des Moines to Forest and Doris Quaintance. He attended Des Moines Technical High School and graduated in 1966. After graduation, he went on to work at First Midwest Corporation as the Art Department Supervisor and Co-Plant Manager, where he worked for 35 years up until the plant closed. From there, he went on to work at Beisser Lumber until he retired in 2014. Owen was also a freelance artist with remarkable creative skills.

Owen is survived by his three daughters, Sara Quaintance of Centennial, CO and jenni Quaintance of Des Moines (to whom he was a single father), and Mindy (Eric) Bryant of Pleasant Hill, who he referred to as #1, #2, and #3. His significant other of 43 years, Karen Hernandez of Des Moines. Her sons, Joe Hernandez II and Jason Patrick and their children. Grandchildren (and light of his life) Lauren, Emma and Andrew Bryant. Siblings, William “Bill” (Linda) and Jeff Quaintance, and Mary "Kaye” Wellendorf. Sister in law, Chris Cart. Best friend, Stephen (Brenda) Newkirk. His beloved “pupper dogs”, Willy and Waldo. He also leaves behind many who will forever remember him. He was one of a kind, to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Doris and sister, Beverly King.

Beginning in his younger years, Owen enjoyed drawing, sketching, and putting together model cars, which started his fascination with cars and trucks. Later in life, he would take the trip of a lifetime with his best friend, Steve, on Route 66, where he said “Driving down this old highway is so relaxing and reminds me of my favorite TV show as a boy, Route 66.” He would get so excited when they reached every Route 66 milestone landmark that he had only seen on the pages of books until then.

His greatest joy in life were his grandchildren, who called him Grampo. He gave them his time and made many memories. They really enjoyed their weekly visits to the library and supper at McDonald’s (Grampo always spoiled them with Happy Meals). He played many rounds of Old Maid and Pretty, Pretty Princess. Grampo never missed a dance recital, school event, soccer or softball game and was always the first one there, where he could be spotted a mile away sitting in his bright yellow lawn chair.

He was a lover of old cars and trucks, British mysteries, smooth jazz, books, ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. He made the best homemade pizza and hand mixed Oreo shakes-with a hidden Oreo at the bottom of each cup.

Owen fought long and hard, and did it for his family. He was a good man, partner, Dad, Grampo and best friend. He had a huge heart and always put everyone else before himself.

Memorials may be given in his name in lieu of flowers, to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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