Joel Ingham

I am saddened to say that my dad, Joel Ingham, passed away peacefully at his home in Ames on October 9th, 2025. He was 66 years old. Joel was born on January 5th, 1959 in Des Moines, Iowa. He and his family moved around in his youth. They lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Joel graduated from Eldora High School.
Joel had many jobs throughout his lifetime. He worked in upholstery, in a factory, and in a food plant. He did carpentry work, laid tiles, delivered papers, and even worked in a recycling center. Arguably, his most important job was in the U.S. Army. My mom and dad met in the Army. They married on February 25th, 1986. This union brought about me, my sister Ana, and my brother Andre. They were married for 39 years.
My dad loved his family, his music, and spending time with his friends. He was always one to spoil the family pets with a treat or two. Joel had many hobbies. They ranged from collecting Hot Wheels and Pez dispensers to building his own guitars. One of my brother's favorite memories with my dad is working on a miniature train table together. My sister fondly remembers watching B movies with my dad. I remember watching It's a Wonderful Life every year at Christmas. My mom recalls family game nights playing Tekken 3. Another of my mom's favorite memories is taking car trips in the summer. We would stop and build wild flower bouquets.
Joel was predeceased by his mother, Norma Ingham, and his father, Harl Ingham. Joel is survived by his sister Marla Lepper (Richard Lepper), his wife Catherine Ingham and their three children; Alexandra Kunkel (Shawn Kunkel), Anastasia Andresen (Edward Thorne), and Andre Ingham. and his three grandchildren Kevin Andresen, Cora Kunkel, and Camden Kunkel.
A celebration of life will be held on November 2nd at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care in Ames from 2pm to 4pm. Friends and family are invited to join in remembrance and support.
We miss you, until we meet again.