Dennis Paul Francis

Dennis Paul Francis, 77, died October 16, 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa. Born on October 18, 1943 to parents Raymond and Irene Francis (Bullock) of Kent, Iowa, Dennis grew up on his parent’s farm where he learned to love farming and caring for the land. After attending the one-room school on the family farm, he went on to graduate from Creston High School in 1961. Soon thereafter Dennis met Glocile (Keehn), and the two of them were married August 18, 1963 in Creston, Iowa, enjoying 58 years together.

Dennis continued his education at Iowa State University before transferring to Drake University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (class of 1966). During his college years Dennis worked at International Harvester. After graduating, he began his career with Banker’s Life in the Residential Loan Department. He was transferred to the field offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and Houston, Texas before being promoted to the Commercial Real Estate division in Des Moines, Iowa in 1972. When Dennis retired in 2003, he was Senior Vice President and CIO of Principal, as well as President and CEO of Principal Capital Management, a subsidiary of Principal Financial Group.

A lifelong leader, Dennis was a proud Eagle Scout. His leadership prowess continued throughout his career with roles including: member and past chair of Life Mortgages & Real Estate Officer’s Council; member of Life Insurance Industry Chief Investment Officer’s Council; recipient of the Commercial Real Estate Industry Lifetime Achievement Award; board member of Living History Farms, Iowa Natural Heritage, Embassy Club, and West Des Moines Christian Church.

Dennis was a lifelong collector of memorabilia. He loved classic cars and tractors, western art and bronzes, 50’s collectibles and antique items of every sort. An adventurer and devoted family man, Dennis enjoyed whitewater rafting, kayaking, exploring jeep trails, boating, traveling with his children and grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Irene Francis. He is survived by his wife, Glocile; his daughter Barbara (George) Curth and grandchildren Derek & Jessica of Palmetto Bay, Florida; his son Robert (Jodi) of West Des Moines, Iowa; his son Brian (Chandra) Francis and grandchildren Aubrey & Colin of Parker, Colorado; and his daughter Angenette (David) Mercer and grandchild Michayln of West Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by his brothers David (Fern) Francis of Highland Village, Texas; Jere (Candis) Francis of Columbia, Missouri; and Ted (Ruth) Francis of Burlington, Iowa; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on October 25 at 10:30 am at West Des Moines Christian Church with friends and family gathering afterward for a luncheon in celebration of Dennis’ life. The service will also be livestreamed at www.wdmcc.org.

Memorial gifts may be directed toward West Des Moines Christian Church (4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa).

Special thanks to the caring staff at Taylor House, Rev. Randy Ehrhardt, and Dr. Thomas Buroker.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by McLarens Funeral Chapel.