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1935 - 2015

Joseph Farnsworth

1935 - 2015

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1935

DIED

2015

About

Theodore Roosevelt High School Truman State University

Joseph Farnsworth Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 19, 2015.

Joseph Farnsworth

Des Moines

Joseph Farnsworth, 79, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at the Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Joseph was born April 12, 1935 in Keokuk, Iowa to Avis and Fern Farnsworth. He received his Master's Degree from Truman State University. Upon graduation, he moved to Des Moines where he taught at Roosevelt High School and later married Mary Ann Cunningham. The couple eventually made their permanent home on Des Moines' south side. Joseph retired from the State of Iowa in 2007, where he had worked for the Department of Education for over 30 years. He was a history buff and loved to talk about it with whomever would listen. He also enjoyed gardening. Joseph will be remembered as a devoted family who cherished time spent with his family.

Joseph is survived by his children, Merideth (Michael) Winfrey, Joseph (Cindy) Farnsworth and Melissa Farnsworth-Young; grandchildren, Morgan, Carley, Alexis and Zoe; step-grandchildren, Chad and Michael; great-grandchildren, Bentley and Tucker; many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Ann; and his sister, Elaine Thompson.

The family will greet friends Saturday, February 21, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the memorial service at 12 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to JDRF.

Online condolences may be directed to www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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

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Recent Activity

February 22, 2015

Marcia Quinn posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2015

Bill Hansen posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2015

Todd Jacobus posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Marcia Quinn

February 22, 2015

Missy, I am so sorry to read of your Dad's passing. May God keep you in his arms at this difficult time.

Bill Hansen

February 21, 2015

It was with great sadness that I learned of Joe's passing. It was with great pleasure to have worked with Joe for more than 20 years Ashe worked tirelessly in service to Iowa's veteran students. He has been and will continue to be greatly missed.

Todd Jacobus

February 19, 2015

Saddened to hear of Joe Farnsworth's passing. My friend, Tom Beasley, and I were just talking about Joe on Tuesday evening when we got together; neither of us knew that he had passed away earlier in the day. In the 1990s, I served with Joe on the Iowa Military Education Coordinating Committee, which conducted three regional workshops annually to VA Certifying Officials at colleges. I loved spending time with Joe. He was a true professional, but he was fun to be around off duty as well. I lost track of Joe since those years. His picture in today's paper brought back memories of some great work experiences. Those were good years, and working with people like Joe were the highlight. RIP, Joe.