James Harold Gogerty

James Harold Gogerty was born on January 16, 1940, and lived a singular life. He graduated from East High School, where his favorite subjects were football and girls. He had a brief association with the Army, where he allegedly went AWOL to attend the Iowa State Fair (east-siders will understand). He sold real estate, he earned a certificate in auctioneering, and he ran a used furniture shop in downtown Des Moines. He was curious, funny, and surprisingly optimistic. He was crazy about his wife Betty, and together they made a beautiful home, and life, together. Everybody who knew him, has a story about him.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Hochstetler of Winterset, IA; his children, Jessica (Jon Snodgrass) Gogerty of Des Moines, IA, Celene (David Daspit) Gogerty of Des Moines, IA and Megan (R. Chris Rich) Gogerty of Iowa City, IA; his six grandchildren, Samantha and Vera Snodgrass, Greer and Zoe Coffman, and Quinn and Mirabelle Clark; and siblings, Doris (Jim) Bruder, Eddie (Joann) Gogerty and Phyllis Gogerty.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Irene Gogerty; his sisters, Shirley (Lou) Witthoft and Mary Neitzel; and his twin brother, John Gogerty.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 18, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, IA followed by a visitation until 7:00 p.m.

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