Darrell J. Valdez

Darrell Joseph Valdez, age 95, passed away Friday, January 31, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.

Darrell was born December 18, 1929, in Des Moines, Iowa to Manuel and Lupe Valdez. He was one of thirteen children. He graduated from Valley High School in Des Moines. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. While enlisted, he married Benita Mary Cuevas in 1952 at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Darrell worked for Monarch Cement for many years. After his retirement, he worked at Sears, Southridge location, in their auto service department.

Darrell was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Anthony and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches. He loved fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was a Chiefs and Hawkeyes fan, and a great cook; he loved good food.

Darrell is survived by --

His children: Mike (Ann) Valdez, Terry (Felipe) Lopez and Jeff Valdez;

His grandchildren: Melissa (John) Schultz, Joshua (Andrea) Valdez, Angela (Dave) McGillvary, Donovan (Stacey) Van Gundy, Daniel Valdez, Julia Lopez, Austin (Jenny) Valdez and Brandon (Anna) Valdez;

His great-grandchildren: Sophia Schultz, Elizabeth Schultz, Zachary Valdez, Evelyn Valdez, Isabel Valdez, Jesse (Kayla) Van Gundy, Jacob McGillvary, Ally Martellie, Kayla Arellano, Cheyenne Van Gundy, Tanner Leiting, Nicholas Valdez, Benjamin Valdez, Marcus Valdez, Joseph Valdez, Lily Valdez, Aubrey Valdez, Hayden Valdez, Collin Valdez, Colt Valdez, Darrell Valdez, and Elis Valdez;

His great-great-grandchildren: Giovanni Van Gundy, Sophia McGillvery, Arya Lemke and Aubrey Martellie;

His sister: Frances Gallardo; and many nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Benita, his parents, and eleven brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 10, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines. Burial will take place at Jordan Cemetery, West Des Moines after Mass.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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