Eugene R. Garsh

Eugene Robert Garsh was born July 4, 1935, in Des Moines, Iowa to Louis John and Sarah Molly (Tatz) Garsh. He attended Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, graduating in 1953. He served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963. He went on to serve in the U. S. Air Force Reserves for over 15 years.

In June of 1965, Eugene married Patricia Ann (Davenport) and they raised their family of three daughters in the Des Moines area. Eugene worked as a Postal Carrier for the U. S. Postal Service for over 20 years. Eugene and Pat’s favorite pastime was playing cards, and they would go from house to house, becoming family friends with everyone. Eugene loved to sing and was in a barber shop group called the Des Moinaires, and also shared his talents in the church choir and The Diversity Chorus. He had a wide range of musical appreciation from country to opera. Eugene was a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed spending time with his friends at pot luck dinners.

Eugene loved birds and could often be found in his garden. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and attending baseball games. He was an action movie buff and the James Bond and Indiana Jones series were his favorites. Above all, Eugene loved his family. He enjoyed family dinners on Sunday, and made lasting memories camping and having barbeques with family. He cherished being surrounded by his loved ones, even just to have them over for a visit. He had an infectious smile that would light up the room.

Eugene passed away at his home, with his wife by his side, Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 87.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia “Pat” Garsh; daughters, Deborah “Debbie” Mallory, Sandra “Sandy” Hockett, and Lisa (Jason) Houghton; grandchildren, Alyssa (Dustin “Dusty” Willey) Mallory, Jessicah Mallory, Lucas Mallory, Lexi Hockett, Emma Hockett, and Levi Hockett; great-grandchildren, Jamesyn and Jareyn Johnson; sister, Barbara (John) Ratcliffe; sister-in-law, Debbie Garsh; and many nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Sarah Garsh; and his brother, Donald Garsh.

Services will be at Christ Lutheran Church, 6411 SE 5th Street, Des Moines, Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Family will greet guests one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.


Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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