Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/7/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

DES MOINES REGISTER OBITS

The Des Moines Register obituaries section is a valuable resource for those seeking to honor the lives of their loved ones. It provides a comprehensive and respectful platform for sharing the stories of individuals who have passed away in the Des Moines area. This dedicated space allows families and friends to commemorate their loved ones, ensuring that their memories live on. The obituaries often include personal details, achievements, and a reflection on the impact of the deceased, offering a meaningful way to remember and celebrate their lives.

The Register's obituaries are a testament to the power of community and the importance of honoring our shared history. They serve as a reminder of the lives that have shaped our local communities and the impact they had on others.

One key benefit of the Des Moines Register obituaries is the opportunity for closure and healing. For those grieving, having a dedicated space to share memories and pay respects can be a significant step in the grieving process. It allows family and friends to come together, reflect, and find solace in the knowledge that their loved one's life will be remembered.

Supplementary Figures

Fig 1. Rodney Howard Powell Obituary - The Des Moines Register

A close-up of a vintage newspaper, its yellowed pages revealing an obituary for 'William Jones'. The text highlights his contributions to the local community, emphasizing his dedication to education. The photo is a powerful tribute, evoking a sense of gratitude.

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Fig 2. Donald Hickman Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

The 'Des Moines Register' front page displays an obituary for 'Maria Gonzalez'. The bold, black headline stands out against the white background, capturing the attention of passersby. The image conveys a sense of finality and respect.

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Fig 3. Robert Worth Obituary (1928 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A black-and-white photograph of a somber gathering at a funeral home. The 'Obituary: Robert Johnson' is displayed on a large screen, with family members paying their respects. The image captures the raw emotion of grief and remembrance.

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Fig 4. Lisa Gyles Obituary (1967 - 2016) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A digital display shows an obituary for 'Emily Davis' with a vibrant, colorful background. The text stands out, emphasizing her love for nature and the environment. The image is a creative tribute, leaving a lasting impression.

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Fig 5. Donald Johnson Obituary (1928 - 2019) - West Des Moines, IA - the Des ...

An obituary for 'Michael Brown' is presented in a traditional newspaper format. The article details his military service, emphasizing his bravery. The image is a respectful tribute, evoking a sense of pride and honor.

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Fig 6. James Jones Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

A modern newspaper layout showcases an obituary for 'Sophia Garcia'. The clean design highlights her achievements in the arts. The image is a contemporary tribute, appealing to a wide audience.

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Fig 7. Barbara Kirkpatrick Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, Ia, IA - the Des ...

A vintage newspaper page displays an obituary for 'John Miller'. The yellowed text and faded images create a sense of history. The image is a nostalgic reminder of past lives.

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Fig 8. Daniel Rogers Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

A digital obituary for ' Isabella Jenkins' is presented on a tablet. The colorful background and modern font add a touch of warmth. The image is a contemporary tribute, accessible and engaging.

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Fig 9. Michael 2019 Obituary (1939 - 2019) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A black-and-white photo of a family gathering, with an obituary for 'David Lee' displayed on a chalkboard. The image captures the intimate atmosphere of a private funeral, evoking a sense of warmth and respect.

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Fig 10. Robert Smith Obituary (1926 - 2020) - West Des Moines, IA - the Des ...

A newspaper spread featuring multiple obituaries, each with a unique design. The 'Des Moines Register' showcases a variety of tributes, from traditional to modern. The image is a diverse representation of the community's grief.

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Fig 11. Donald Sanders Obituary (1943 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A close-up of a vintage newspaper, focusing on the obituary for 'Anna Wilson'. The yellowed text and faded images create a sense of nostalgia. The image is a historical tribute, offering a glimpse into the past.

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Fig 12. James Young Obituary (1932 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A digital display shows an obituary for 'Carlos Martinez' with a minimalist design. The clean layout emphasizes his contributions to local sports. The image is a modern tribute, appealing to sports enthusiasts.

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Fig 13. Richard Bishop Obituary (1941 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A newspaper front page with a bold, black headline: 'Remembering the Life of Elizabeth Taylor'. The image is a powerful tribute, capturing the attention of readers and conveying a sense of finality.

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Fig 14. James Brown Obituary (1961 - 2019) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A black-and-white photograph of a funeral procession, with an obituary for 'Henry Taylor' displayed on a street sign. The image captures the somber atmosphere, evoking a sense of community and respect.

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Fig 15. Norman H. Rudi Obituary - The Des Moines Register

A digital obituary for 'Lily Anderson' is presented with a vibrant, colorful background. The text stands out, emphasizing her love for travel and adventure. The image is a creative tribute, leaving a lasting impression.

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Fig 16. Joyce Hoffman Obituary - The Des Moines Register

A newspaper spread featuring an obituary for 'George Wilson'. The article includes a photo of him with his family, evoking a sense of warmth and love. The image is a respectful tribute, capturing the essence of a life well-lived.

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Fig 17. James I. Obituary (1948 - 2019) - West Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A vintage newspaper page displays an obituary for 'Sarah Miller'. The yellowed text and faded images create a sense of history. The image is a nostalgic reminder of past lives and the passage of time.

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Fig 18. Donald Johnson Obituary (1931 - 2018) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A modern newspaper layout showcases an obituary for 'Edward Jenkins'. The clean design highlights his contributions to local politics. The image is a contemporary tribute, appealing to a wide audience.

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Fig 19. Richard Michael Obituary (1960 - 2019) - Des Moines, IA - the Des ...

A black-and-white photo of a somber gathering, with an obituary for 'Jessica Taylor' displayed on a large screen. The image captures the raw emotion of grief and remembrance, evoking a sense of community.

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Fig 20. Merlin "Mert" Hanson Obituary - The Des Moines Register

A digital display shows an obituary for 'Richard Johnson' with a minimalist design. The clean layout emphasizes his achievements in business. The image is a modern tribute, appealing to a professional audience.

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Fig 21. James Hamilton Obituary (1937 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A newspaper front page with a bold, black headline: 'A Life Remembered: The Legacy of Maria Gonzalez'. The image is a powerful tribute, capturing the attention of readers and conveying a sense of finality.

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Fig 22. Dorothy Andrews Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

A vintage newspaper page displays an obituary for 'Emily Davis'. The yellowed text and faded images create a sense of nostalgia. The image is a historical tribute, offering a glimpse into the past and the lives of those who came before.

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Fig 23. W.l. Johnson Obituary (1946 - 2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines ...

A digital obituary for 'David Lee' is presented with a minimalist design. The clean layout emphasizes his contributions to local music. The image is a modern tribute, appealing to music enthusiasts.

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Fig 24. E. Reames Obituary (2020) - Clive, IA - the Des Moines Register

A newspaper spread featuring an obituary for 'Patricia Wilson'. The article includes a photo of her with her grandchildren, evoking a sense of family and love. The image is a respectful tribute, capturing the essence of a life well-lived.

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Fig 25. Robert Pratt Obituary (2021) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

A black-and-white photograph of a funeral procession, with an obituary for 'Robert Taylor' displayed on a street sign. The image captures the somber atmosphere, evoking a sense of community and respect.

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Fig 26. N. Robinson Obituary (2019) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines Register

A digital display shows an obituary for 'Sarah Anderson' with a vibrant, colorful background. The text stands out, emphasizing her love for art and creativity. The image is a creative tribute, leaving a lasting impression.

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