Ned Frank Chiodo

Ned F. Chiodo, 83, passed away on September 4, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Family will greet guests from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Des Moines. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the church.
Ned was born on August 2, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa to Frank and Rose Chiodo. He attended Dowling High School, graduating with the Class of 1961. He furthered his education at Drake University. In 1967, Ned married the love of his life, Marilyn Pigneri, at St. Anthony's Church.
A natural leader and coach, Ned spent his early years at Dowling High School coaching football, basketball, and baseball. He was proud to have helped guide Dowling to a "Mythical State Championship" before the era of formal playoffs-an achievement that still lives in local sports lore.
Ned was a long-time political activist whose career is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and leadership. His political journey began in the frigid winter of 1972 when he ran for State Representative from the South Side of Des Moines. Despite losing his first two elections by fewer than 50 votes each, Ned refused to give up. In his third attempt, he ran as a write-in candidate, a bold move that led to a historic victory. He became the highest-ranking elected official in Iowa's history to win as a write-in candidate and went on to serve five impactful terms in the Iowa Legislature.
Ned's impact extended beyond the legislature when he transitioned to serve as Polk County Auditor. In this role, he introduced electronic voting-a controversial yet visionary change at the time. Eventually, this innovation was adopted nationwide, setting the stage for modern voting practices. After leaving his role as Auditor, Ned founded Personal Representative Inc., a lobbying firm that grew to become the premier political consultancy in Iowa. Thanks to Iowa's "first in the nation" caucus status, he became a trusted advisor to many Democratic presidential hopefuls. His influence grew so significant that The New York Times featured a front page story about him and his son, highlighting their political clout.
Ned's lifelong passion was golf. He picked up the game as a young man and turned it into a remarkable 54-year career. More than just a business, golf was a vehicle for Ned to give back. He worked tirelessly to ensure local youth had access to the game, knowing the lessons it could teach-patience, discipline, and grace under pressure. Alongside his sons, Ned helped run the operations of four local golf courses.
Ned Chiodo was a man defined by hard work, deep family values, and an unwavering commitment to his community. He was the kind of man who got up early every day, doing the best he could-not just for himself, but for those around him. Over the years, he mentored countless individuals, shaping lives with his example.
Ned's great achievement in life was his family. He loved being a husband, a dad, and a grandpa. One of his greatest joys was taking his children and grandchildren to Walt Disney World. He loved everything about it-he knew every corner of the parks and delighted in sharing that magic with others, even bringing along employees who had never experienced it.
Ned Chiodo lived a life of purpose. He loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and never stopped giving to others. His impact will be felt for generations. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marilyn; sons: Frank (Lisa), Jeff (Jennifer), John (Kristen), and Joe (Nicole); grandchildren: Nick, Gianni, Sophia (Drake Rupprecht), Louie, Cinzia, Dominic, Joey, Frankie, John Henry, Natalia, and Luna; and a sister, Francis Chiodo.
Ned was preceded by his parents; and his brothers, Louis and Monsignor Frank Chiodo.
Ned's family kindly asks in lieu of flowers, memorials in Ned's name be directed to St. Anthony's Catholic Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Online condolences can be made at Ilescares.com
Iles Dunn's Chapel is handling arrangements.
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