Joseph Ralph Jester

Joseph R. Jester, 87, passed away peacefully at home on January 17, 2024. He was the youngest child of Ralph L. and Ruth B. Jester and a lifelong resident of Des Moines. Joe graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953 and attended The University of Colorado before earning a B.A. in Sociology from Drake University in 1958. Joe then joined his father in the family business, Jester & Sons Real Estate, as a fourth-generation partner. He worked in residential and commercial real estate for the rest of his life, never fully retiring. Throughout his long career, Joe was known for his honesty and integrity, and made many friends through his business dealings.

In his youth, Joe enjoyed time at the family farm, which was owned by his grandfather Lewis Jester. In 1958 Polk County purchased the farm from Joe’s father and uncle, and it has since been known as Jester Park.

Joe met his wife, Peggy, on a blind date set up by their friends. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage and had three children. They especially enjoyed the years they spent at their historic home with a large garden. There, Joe cultivated new gardening skills and grew fruits and vegetables that were prepared and preserved by Peggy.

A strong, athletic man, Joe lettered in football, basketball, and tennis in high school. He reminisced about the football team throughout his life, recalling specific games and plays. He played handball for 25 years at the YMCA, rode his bike on five RAGBRAIs, and remained active until shortly before his passing. He enjoyed following Drake basketball.

Joe’s openness and honesty made him a close friend, confidant, and advisor to many. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, and those who knew him enjoyed conversation and debate on wide-ranging topics.

Joe was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his sister Anna Belle.

He is survived by his children Mary Ann Parks (Kevin), John, and Tom (Whitney); his five grandchildren, Jessica, George, and Margaret Parks; Jake and Aspen Jester; and his sister Mary Lou Hunter.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa with a service following at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Orchard Place (Iowa) or World Wildlife Fund in memory of Joe.

Thank you to Angela Browder and her wonderful caregivers who provided Joe with kind and loving care.

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