John Nau

John Nau

Waukee - John A. Nau, 77, currently from Waukee passed away Wednesday, November 28th after a long battle with numerous health issues. He graduated from North High School in January of 1959 where he was a tackle for the North High Polar Bears. He joined the Air National Guard in high school and served for 6 years. His first job was as a bookbinder at Commercial Printing. He then began working in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster until his retirement in 2006. He had a long successful career where he worked alongside many friends and colleagues in the metro area.

He met his future bride, Sandra Evans, at Riverview Park in 1957. They were married on July 8, 1960 John was the proud owner of a 1957 Chevy Convertible, which his brother then proceeded to drive through the underpass of the Des Moines police station during the after-wedding chase, much to the amusement of the DMPD at the time. John and Sandra eventually had two children Todd and Sheryl.

John loved sports and hunting. He was a catcher for his church softball team, played golf with friends and colleagues, hunted turkey and pheasants, and loved the freedom of riding his Harley. In addition to playing sports, he also coached his kids' little league and softball teams. He would throw balls with his daughter every day for hours after work. He cherished his kids and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He was Superman in their eyes.

He became a grandpa for the first time in 1988 and beamed with pride. The grandpa title fit him well. He ended up with four grandkids that could do no wrong in his eyes. He spoiled his kids, but he spoiled his grandkids even more. He loved attending their many programs and sporting events. He attended every soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, and football game that they participated in. His eyes would light up any time he heard their voices. As if being grandpa wasn't good enough, he became a great grandpa in 2013! His chest about broke through his shirt with pride at that point!

John was the most genuine, honest, caring, and dependable person. He modeled compassion and kindness to his family and will be remembered for his genuine love and concern for them.

He will be terribly missed by his wife of 58 years Sandra, his son Todd Nau (Scott Dolphin), his daughter Sheryl (Andy) Bartleman, grandson Austen (Sarah) Hassebrock, granddaughter Holly (Matt) Faas, grandson Manuel Dolphin-Nau, granddaughter Lydia Dolphin-Nau, great grandson Milo Hassebrock, great granddaughter Hazel Hassebrock, brother Tom (Karen) Nau and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents Ophir and Dixie Decker Nau, brother John O. (aka Bud) Nau, sister Betty Mason, sister Dixie Hines, and mother-in-law Maxine McDivitt Evans Huser.

Funeral services will be held at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, on Saturday, December 1 at 11:00. The family will be available for visitation at 10:00 preceding the ceremony. Immediately after the service, the family invites friends to join them for a time of refreshment and fellowship at the church. Interment will be at Merle Hay Cemetery around 1:30PM

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family who will share with several charities close to his heart.