Joseph Laverne Sabers

Joseph L Sabers, 75, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, IA.

Joe was born on December 9, 1949 to Clarence and Deloras (Funke) Sabers. He was raised on the family farm in Worthington, Iowa. He attended St Paul School in Worthington through 10th grade. He graduated from Dyersville Beckman High School in 1968. He received a degree in Biology from Loras College, Dubuque, IA in 1972. He then continued his education receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the College of St Teresa, Winona, MN.

Joe had an abundance of curiosity and wanderlust. There was always a map or atlas within his reach. He hitchhiked solo for four months to Alaska and back. Joe returned to work as a nurse in Rochester, MN where he fortunately met Mary Ellen Hoss. He was then admitted to the Mayo Clinic School of Nurse Anesthesia. He received his Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Degree in 1978. The wanderlust bug bit him again and he and Mary Ellen traveled for a year throughout the United States and Canada.

On his return he worked as a CRNA in Wisconsin. In 1980 he moved to Ames, IA to work as a CRNA with Anesthesia Associates of Central Iowa at Mary Greeley Medical Center for 35 years. It was also in 1980 he married Mary Ellen Hoss and they moved south of Ames. It was here they built a house, returned to their farming roots and started a family. Hay farming was now part of his life as well, again for 39 years.

It was thought that in an earlier life he may have been part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Always inquisitive of the history and times before him, his family heard many facts of history, words of wisdom. These were lovingly called :"Joeisms". Many have since heard his story how he hoped to meet his demise in a fight with a grizzly bear. No bear was brave enough to take him on.

Family was a priority for Joe. He cherished the time spent fishing with his grandkids.There were plays and sporting events to attend, I-Cubs games, throwing rocks into any puddle or body of water around, reading books, flying kites. He was proud of his four children. They learned a great work ethic as the haying season found them side by side with their dad. He never sought attention or accolades. He cared for his patients. He quietly helped others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, niece Laurie Sabers, nephew Ron Jurgens, great nephew Caleb Jurgens, brothers-in-law Richard Jurgens and Joe Fleming

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Ellen, 4 children: A.J. (Kim); Alex (Christa); Mark (Chelsie); Emily (Bob) Godbersen; 9 grandchildren: Aria, Gabrielle, Austin, Colin, Margot, Van, Jay, Camryn, Demi; sisters, Ruth Jurgens, Lila (Steve) Geers, Virginia Fleming, brothers, Loras (Jo Anne), David (Kathy), Dan (Debbie); and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you to Dr Michael Bird for his care and understanding. Special thank you to Kavanagh House for exceptional care.

Visitation will be on October 5th, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home and Crematory in Urbandale. Mass of Funeral Service will be on October 6th, 2025 at 10:30 am with a short visitation before the service starting at 9:30 am, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines. A luncheon will follow the Mass of Funeral Service. 

To view the livestream of the service, please click here: Joseph Sabers livestream

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mary Greeley Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com