Jay Wand

Jay Allen Wand, 83, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away May 1, 2024, six years to the day of the death of his beloved wife, JoAnn. Jay died in Austin, Texas, following a short illness, surrounded by his sons Steve and Scott and daughter-in-law Michelle.

Jay will be remembered by his family and many friends for his active life, generous spirit, gardening zeal, and love of sports. Over the years Jay was a frequent blood donor, donating several gallons over his lifetime. As an avid bike rider, Jay rode up to 1000 miles a year on trails in Des Moines. Jay planted a garden of dozens of tomato plants, peppers, green beans, and radishes, not for his own use, but to give away to friends, his doctors, his wife’s caregivers at Luther Park, and many others. Jay also picked cherries to share his homemade cherry cobbler with friends. Many of Jay’s generous deliveries were made on his bike. Picking blueberries at Berry Patch Farm near Nevada was an annual July event for Jay with JoAnn and JoAnn’s sisters. Thanksgiving Day for many years found Jay at Chuck’s Restaurant in Des Moines, where he washed pots and pans for hours to help with the annual free turkey dinner.

Jay was a familiar face at sporting events in the Des Moines region. When his sons were young, Jay coached Little League baseball. He was an Iowa State University Cyclone season ticket holder for football and basketball for over 50 years, as well as a longtime season ticket holder for Des Moines’ AAA baseball teams. Jay was a multiple winner on Jim Zabel’s “Beat the Bear” sports show. It was not unusual to see Jay at several events on the same day, attending the first half of a high school football game at one school and then driving across town to watch the second half at another school. Jay would often end his day by joining JoAnn at Prairie Meadows, probably with a college or pro game broadcast in his ear. Sporting activities the last week of Jay’s life included his granddaughters: teaching 8 year old Dillan to ride her bike, and watching 9 year old Lucy score a goal in soccer.

Jay Allen Wand was born August 8, 1940, in Carroll, Iowa, to Anton “Tony” and Helen (Delahoyde) Wand of Breda. As a youth in Breda, Jay taught swimming lessons and was a lifeguard. Following high school Jay attended Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. On December 28, 1964, Jay was united in marriage to JoAnn McWeeny at St. Boniface Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. They attended football bowl games for their honeymoon. Jay taught school in Iowa for over 50 years. Prior to moving to Des Moines, Jay taught industrial arts and driver’s education in Galva, Wall Lake, and at St. Edmond’s High School in Ft. Dodge. Jay taught in Des Moines schools for over 40 years. Many people remember Mr. Wand as their driver’s ed instructor in high school. Following retirement, Jay was a substitute at Johnston High School.

Jay Wand is survived by his son, Steven and granddaughter, Dillan of Austin, Texas; son, Scott, daughter-in-law, Michelle and grandchildren, Lucy, Laurie, Grace, and Will of Austin, Texas; and sister, Pam Holewinski of Omaha, Nebraska. Jay was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn; parents; sister, Leah Wand Taylor; brother-on-law, George Taylor; brother-in-law, Joe Holewinski; and half-brother, Tony Wand.

Jay and JoAnn were married for 52 years before her death in 2016. They were members of Visitation and All Saints Catholic parishes. Together they enjoyed music concerts, the Iowa State Fair, Music Under the Stars at the Iowa Capitol, and fireworks anytime and anywhere.

Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens is assisting with arrangements. Visitation will be at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines on May 30, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The funeral will be the following day, May 31, 2024 at 10:00 am at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue in Des Moines. Private family Internment will take place at Glendale Cemetery, 4509 University Avenue in Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to go to the Science Center of Iowa, 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, attn. Molly Pins. Please indicate the money is “In memory of Jay Wand”.

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