Chester "Chet" Lee Guinn
July 19, 1928 — August 02, 2025
Chester “Chet” Lee Guinn, age 97, born in Whitestown, Indiana, died on August 2, 2025. When he was two years of age, his family moved from Indiana to Iowa for employment to survive the Great Depression. He was a graduate of Sioux City East High School, Morningside College (B.A.), and Pacific School of Religion (M.A.). He served as student pastor of Trimble Methodist Church, Sioux City (3 years), the yoked parish of Hazleton-Stanley (3 years), and Alcatraz prison employees’ chaplain (1 year). After ordination in 1955 he served United Methodist churches in Akron (7 years), Emmetsburg (7 years), and Perry (10 years). He completed his professional clergy career serving as the Des Moines Urban Minister dealing with social issues of the city. After retirement from ministry, he enjoyed a twenty-year business career as sales person and general manager for Borgen Systems.
Working for world peace became his life’s passion. For over three decades, he served as the volunteer Peace and Justice Advocate for the Iowa Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, joining his colleagues in educational and demonstrative action on behalf of farmers, labor, women, all races, all faiths, and world peace issues. He led trips to Washington D.C. for protests, supported conscientious objectors, attended countless rallies and demonstrations (being arrested a number of times), and supported refugee families both directly and indirectly.
Among his interests were gardening, fishing, biking, antiques, and the restoration of historic buildings including Old Fire Station #4, saved at the last minute from bulldozer demolition. Many have memories of attending community meetings, political forums, and family gatherings in this National Historic Register building complete with brass pole and antique fire truck noted for scooping the loop with noisy passengers of all ages.
He is survived by two daughters, Naomi L. (Paul Guinn-Johnson), Des Moines, IA and Sandra L., Wheatridge, CO; son, William Hayes (Jeri), Dana, IA; eight grandchildren, Erin, Matthew, Rylie, Crystal, Kaitlin, Anthony, Hannah, and Erica; 17 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Eloise Cranke.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Juanita Dorothy (Yearous); daughters, Leslie Marie and Kimberly Suzanne; father, William E. Guinn; mother, Beryl A. (Hine); and his sisters, Rosalyn, Virginia, and Gwendolyn.
Chet has donated his body to science. There will be a visitation and memorial service at Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church, 1548 8th Street, 2nd floor, Des Moines, IA 50314, with a luncheon immediately following, day and time currently pending. Please check back for more details.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Methodist Federation for Social Action, Iowa Chapter.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Sharon Gradischnig
08/07/2025
Chet was a delightful man full of surprises, good will and boundless energy for his many endeavers to make this world a better place. He was a faithful coworker on several peace committees and a devoted family and personal friend through several decades. He did his best to be fair and open to learning and changing when he found himself in error.
My condolences go out to his family, Eloise and many close friends and associates in his work for peace and equality on every front.
Mary Jane McWilliams
08/07/2025
I was a teenager while Chet was the pastor in Emmetsburg. Sometimes his actions shocked me, but always in a good way. He officiated at my wedding 51 years ago and we always stayed in touch. He has had a profound impact on me and how I have lived my life. I feel so blessed that he was in my life.
David Shogren
08/06/2025
Chet was central to the formation of the Iowa Chapter of MFSA and was an early influential figure for me, a recovering Biblical literalist. Chet always had pertinent stories to share, whether on the floor of Annual Conference during heated debate, at MFSA caucus at his Firehouse, or in personal interactions. His words and focus was prophetic in speaking truth to power, resisting evil in every form, and getting in good trouble on behalf of the poor and marginalized. Well done, good friend, well done. Thank you for being you, inviting us all to be more comfortable in our own skin.
Mona Shaw
08/06/2025
Chet was such a gift. He was a best friend of justice. We engaged in a number of acts of civil disobedience together. My favorite was when we tried to enact a citizen's arrest of Karl Rove.
Perhaps his wisest act was to join forces with Eloise Cranke.
Mark Hackmann
08/06/2025
Rev. Guinn was a tireless champion of what is right. He will be sorely missed.