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BORN
1918
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Gail Boltinghouse Obituary
Des Moines - Gail E. Boltinghouse, 102, longtime Des Moines resident and Funeral Director, passed away February 17, 2021 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Iles Dunn's Chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Masonic Cemetery. A Masonic Service will be held following the funeral service.
Gail was born April 28, 1918 in Lenox, Iowa to James and Clara (Boyer) Boltinghouse. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then completed St. Louis Mortuary College (1945). He eventually was invited to join the staff at Dunn's Funeral Home where he worked full-time until his retirement in 1988. He continued to serve families part-time, well into his late 90's. Over his 67 years in the funeral industry, he helped thousands of families and inspired many funeral directors.
Gail was married to Celia (Krebill) Boltinghouse for 27 years, and they had two daughters, Cynthia and Karen. Celia passed away in 1972. In 1978, Gail was united in marriage to Jeannette Wright Aduddell. They were longtime members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gail was also an active 50 plus year member of Acanthus Masonic Lodge, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, where he loved to volunteer at the circus, Des Moines Consistory, Kiwanis Club, Isaac Walton League, High Twelve, First Christian Church and the Iowa Funeral Directors Association since 1953.
Gail is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeannette; his daughter, Cynthia (Ray) Sczekan, grandchildren, Michelle Sczekan and Heather (Adam) Hoffman and great granddaughter, Kennedy Hoffman; daughter, Karen (Joe) Giliberti, grandchildren, Angelina "Angie" (Will) Bradley and Joey Giliberti and great grandchildren, Brennan Wills and Beau Bradley; step daughter, Jo Ellen Aduddell, grandchildren, Andrew Getman and Kathryn "Katy" Getman; as well as a nephew, Dr. Earl (JoAnn) Boltinghouse and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Celia; brothers, George and Reldon Boltinghouse.
Gail's impeccable memory of people, sharing of stories, loyalty, and kind, affirming soul will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The funeral service will be livestreamed. A link will appear at 1:45pm, Wednesday, February 24 on Gail's obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where guests may find an expanded obituary and also leave online condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Boltinghouse
Sponsored by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home.
4 Entries
Steven Whitehead
February 25, 2021
Gail was a beam of bright light in the the lives of many. I loved listening to his many stories about friends and events in his illustrious life. He was generous of spirit and kind of heart. I learned some valuable lessons from him, for which I remain grateful. Condolences to his family. We'll miss you, Bolty.
Terri Bender
February 24, 2021
I send my upmost love and sympathy to your family. Gail worked with my father from time to time awhile in Lenox. He was such a beautiful person and the Bender kids loved being around him. My folks absolutely loved him. I was always excited to go with my dad to Des Moines (on business) and we would meet with Gail. I'm sorry that I lost touch with Gail after my folks passed. He was a man that was truly blessed to in turn bless those that knew or ever met him. May the Lord comfort and keep you.
David Bender
February 22, 2021
Gail worked with my grandfather, many years ago, at the Bender Funeral Home, in Gail's hometown of Lenox. I remember him paying respect to Grandpa when he passed away, back in `81. My grandparents had nothing but good things to say about Gail.
Guy and Carleen Freeman
February 20, 2021
Jeannette and family we are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you during this time of difficulty. Have known Gail and Jeannette for many years as a fellow shriner, tux member and worked many circus show with him. Will cherish the many memories we spent together at the shrine functions. Know Gail will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
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