Chester "Chet" Lee Guinn

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 (Gerri), 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. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church, 1548 8th Street, 2nd floor, Des Moines, IA 50314. There will be a luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Methodist Federation for Social Action, Iowa Chapter click here

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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