John David Work

Des Moines

John David Work, 71 years old, loved a good obituary, and preferred straight talk. John Work didn't pass, and we didn't lose him… he died on Monday March 27th 2017. We just made him laugh. Quick to a smile, quick to mischief, this is the legacy he left to us… It all began August 17th 1945 after his sister Chick Duffy wished upon a star for a little brother… fortunately for everyone, we were blessed with a gentleman with a magical spirit and unwavering energy for life. He fulfilled the roles of Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Granpop, "Jimmy" Pop, Friend, Boss, Doctor, Confidant, and Mentor.

Always moving and going, he loved a good drive to TRIPLE B for the latest "As Seen on TV" kitchen gadgets. And when his stomach got a rumbling, he was off to Noahs for fried chicken and pizza, Micky D's big breakfast, Bauders egg salad with a chocolate shake. Embers, The Bake Shoppe petit fours, and Star Bar for Lox and capers on a Baguette. At home, a star in the kitchen, he whipped up Buckwheat pancakes for Christmas morning, and the most delicious French Dip ever.

As a dentist, he chewed sugary Doublemint Gum, and enjoyed Laclede breath spray with an alcohol content strong enough to give you a buzz. Generous and kind, he surrounded himself with beauty. Buddha's, Art, Orchids and plants, he was a constant caretaker of his home, as well as to those he treasured.

Dad's strength, humor, patience, humility, and passion for life came from his family and tribe of friends.

Married to Patricia Ronan Work for 45 years, they are now reunited to once again love, laugh and believe together. Heaven just got a lot more entertaining.

His legacy continues through his devoted daughter and friend Courtney, granddaughter and Wednesday partner in crime Olivia, Grandson Ian, his "I-man". Son, fishing partner and friend Channing and much-loved daughter-in-law Samantha, and adored grandkids Murray and Emmeline. Protective and fun Sister Chick, whom he respected and dear brother-in-law Mike. Cherished Nieces and their spouses, Kelly, Laura and Keri, Erin, Bridget and Benji. His work family, the honorable Russ and Z, the "girls" - Erin, Mel, Katie, Tracey, T-Bone, Lyndsey, Tracy, Becky, Beth, Jackie, Cheri, Sue, Lisa, Robin, Laura, Nancy, Deena, Jodee, Ruby and two Jills to name a few. The Tower crew at 3663 Grand who offered him friendship and gave him a place to explore his appetite for Gardening. Canadian Fishing Buddies "FISH ON!" His lifelong friend, Terrie Lowe and the entire Lowe family, whom he cherished. Hospice nurse "Red", who lovingly guided him on his final journey.

So many other unique and caring friends it would literally cost a fortune to list you all.

He attended the best schools: Elmwood Elementary, Callanan Middle School, Theodore Roosevelt High School (63) Shout out to the TRHS GANG!. A Phi Psi at the University of Iowa for undergraduate and dental school - GO HAWKS!!

The life that John lived will forever be a lesson to all of us, of how we should live a life that isn't just about yourself but about those you love.

Whether by a smile, listening, holding the door, sending a handwritten note, picking up the tab, surprising someone with a gift just because, and always laughing. Laughter in the good and most definitely through the bad times.

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love."

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 7th, 2017 at Dunn's Funeral Home. A Celebration of John's life will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 8th, 2017 at Dunn's Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or UnityPoint Hospice. On line condolences, may be made at IlesCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Mar. 30 to Apr. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Work

Sponsored by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home.

9 Entries

Dennis Davis

February 21, 2022

Good dentists, like good humans, are hard to find. Miss you.

Bob Neswold

April 6, 2017

Bob and Jeremy Neswold miss you as our dentist, your care and attention to detail, your laughter, being a Hawkeye. Rest in Peace my friend.

erin massman

April 3, 2017

What a beautifully written obituary for a wonderful man. He was my dentist and I could tell he was a kind gentle man.

I told someone I saw him on the bike trail last year and jumped off my bike to stop and give him a hug. She said she never had a dentist she would hug. He was just that wonderful of a man.

He also went to the same schools as I did, so he had to be good.

I know your family has many memories and he will always be in your hearts. May god bless you in your time of sorrow.

Erin Massman

April 3, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Buzz Yates

April 3, 2017

Even though I only saw John once after college, he remained in my life through memories of our numerous escapades at the Phi Psi house. He and Pat were cherished friends at the U of I. Regrettably, our paths never crossed again. I will never forget the laughs we shared. Goodbye brother John and may you Rest In Peace. Buzz Yates, Phi Psi, Iowa, 1967

Deanna Ingebretsen

April 1, 2017

As a patient of Dr. Work's for years, I always knew he was kind and funny but this obituary enlightened me so much more about him. And I can still smell his breath spray! Thanks for sharing, he will be missed!

Susan Westrom

March 31, 2017

I worked with John right when he got out of dental school. My stomach muscles were in top form from laughing so much . He had so much life ahead of him and loved his family so much. I wish them the very best.

Bob Near

March 31, 2017

Went all through school with John. Best sense of humor of anyone I ever met. Broke the hearts of many guys when he married the lovely Pat Ronan, but it was obviously a perfect match. He beamed when he spoke of his family and loved them with all his heart -- and that's one big heart. Hard not to be sad, but how can we be sad for someone who lived life as it should be lived.

Bob, Andi, Jeff & Marni Duitch

March 30, 2017

He was our family dentist for over 40 years, and always had a positive outlook. We always enjoyed our visits to see him, knowing he could ease our pain from a toothache to more serious problems.
A wonderful friend who always had a smile on his face and a sharp sense of humor. We will miss him greatly. We feel blessed to have known him and shared a small part of his life in Des Moines.

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