John "Jack" Emehiser

John “Jack” Orlo Emehiser, 90, passed away peacefully April 13, 2025, at Azria Health Park Place.

Jack was born May 2, 1934, to Floyd and Dorothy (Phillips) Emehiser. When he was 5 years old, his father passed away and he lost his mother at age 7. He and his older brother Floyd lived with various relatives until finally settling with their grandmother.

In 1952, Jack graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he excelled in tennis. He married Barbara McLeod in February of 1953. Jack joined the Army National Guard in April of 1953 and shortly thereafter was deployed to Germany. His wife Barbara and first-born son Dan later joined him in Germany. After completing his full time Army National Guard service, Jack remained with the National Guard until 1961. He and Barbara had 3 more children and relocated the family many more times. They eventually settled in Norwalk where Jack joined General Growth Properties during which time he helped develop Lakewood, Iowa along with many other real estate developments including several malls across the country. He and Barbara divorced after many years of marriage.

In 1977, he remarried and moved to Boca Raton, Florida for several years, then later moved to San Diego, California where he worked for the Hahn Company. Around 2000, Jack returned to the Des Moines area. He loved his townhome in Johnston where he and his adopted cavalier named Roxie enjoyed long walks and car rides.

Jack never lost his love of tennis. He was always up for a good competitive game and continued playing into his 80’s. Jack competed in the Senior Olympics, winning many silver and gold medals. He was invited to play in the Nationals but declined as he no longer had any desire to travel. Jack then turned to cribbage, another game he enjoyed over the years using a cribbage board that had been passed down for generations. He and his daughter Darcy played weekly games until it became too frustrating for Jack. A tally was kept weekly and upon the last game the score was even and the board was passed down.

In May of 2024, Jack moved to Azria Health Park Place. He never lost his competitive side. BINGO was his new game and his “prize stash” his new joy.

Jack will be dearly missed and remembered by his children, Dan (Diana) Emehiser of St. Augustine, Florida, Darcy Emehiser (Lin Nibbelink) of Runnells, Iowa and Dale Emehiser of Kellogg, Iowa; grandchildren, Erin, Amber, Amanda, Jonathan and Christopher; great-grandchildren, Gaige, James and Abbigayle; and a host of extended family and friends, including the wonderful staff at Azria Health Park Place.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Floyd Emehiser; daughter, Deborah; and his dog, Roxie.

Jack will be laid to rest with military honors at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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