Eliseo "Lee" Bianchi

A wonderful son, husband, father, papa, uncle, and friend in every way, Lee's life on Earth ended after a brief illness on April 7. Lee was born on March 30, 1936, in Grimes, Iowa, to Eliseo and Josephine (Nizzi) Bianchi. He graduated from Des Moines Lincoln High School, and received a degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University where he also participated in ROTC and eventually served our country as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves. After college he began working for Ringland-Johnson Construction Company in Des Moines. In 1960 he moved to Clinton, Iowa, to work for that same company, where he eventually became a partner. When he retired, Lee had worked for Ringland-Johnson for fifty years, a personal point of pride. In 1962 he married Barbara (Landolt) Bianchi, and over the next 56 years they raised two children and spoiled four grandchildren. Residents of Clinton, Iowa, for 48 years, they lived in the same home at 261 Thorwaldsen, while also enjoying time at their river property in Fulton, Illinois, where they moved in 2010. For the last seventeen years they have also wintered in Mesa, Arizona. Among his favorite community accomplishments, Lee was a longtime member and president of Clinton Kiwanis Club, YMCA Y's Men Club, and Clinton High School Band Boosters. Other accomplishments he is lesser known for in the community, but far better known for among friends and family include master Cribbage player, gifted baby-rocker, amateur actor and baritone, connoisseur of food-leftover-on-plates and wine-remaining-in-glasses, magical uncle who could blow milk out of his tear ducts, original beat boxer, devout dandelion digger, and professional dozer/snorer. Above all he will be remembered as the best husband, dad, and papa on the planet. Lee is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by Barbara, his wife of almost 56 years. His son and daughter-in-law Tony and Deb have three sons, Joe, Nick, and Brad. His daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Stan have a daughter, Savannah. His brother and sister-in-law Rudy and Pat have three children and ten grandchildren who adore their Uncle LEEEEEEEE! Anyone who knew Lee well will remember him for his kindness, warm smile, and infectious laugh. We thank you for being part of the celebration of his life.