Max Joseph Bell

Max Joseph Bell, 88, entered into eternal life on Sunday, December 21, 2014 while in restorative care at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. Memorial Mass will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 29 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:30 until service time. Burial of his cremated remains will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

Max was born February 19, 1926 in Fullerton, NE to Helen Snodgrass. He grew up in Greenfield, IA, where he formed cherished life-long friendships and began accumulating his entertaining adventures and stories. In devotion to his family (and in one instance, his desire for a bike), he began working at the age of 11 in whatever capacity that he could. When he was 17, he joined the WWII war effort by enlisting in the Navy. Max served on the oiler, USS Chemung and destroyer, USS Cone before his honorable discharge. His Navy shipmates, training and experiences were dear to his heart. On February 27, 1948, he married his dark-haired beauty, Marie Oswald, in St. Joseph’s rectory in Carroll, IA. They were blessed with 6 children and 66 years together.

Max began his career at Iowa Public Service Company in Carroll in 1946 and remained a loyal employee until his retirement. Fresh out of the Navy, he began as a boiler attendant and eventually served as Superintendent of power plants in northwest Iowa, rounding out his last 5 years in Waterloo. (For a while, it was suspected that he hired only sailors....but, rest assured, it was because he was confident in their training and abilities.) In 1987, he and Marie moved to West Des Moines to be near their much-loved children and grandchildren. He spent many happy hours at soccer, football, baseball, and basketball games and school plays, cheering on his grand and great-grandkids.

Residing for over 30 years in Carroll, he coached Little League, drove the swim team to out-of-town meets, took his family on idyllic and down-right fun camping trips, and enjoyed life with his growing family, many friends and Marie’s large family. Fishing was a favorite pastime, especially numerous trips to Canada and Montana, although throwing a line in anywhere with any friend or offspring was considered a good day. Max was an accomplished high-volume cook, whether preparing large feeds at the American Legion, fish fries at the fire hall or cook-outs with friends. His favorite meal? Anything that his Marie so wonderfully prepared. Max hit the jackpot, and he knew it.

Max served as Past-Commander of the Maurice Dunn Post #7 American Legion, was involved on the Swimming Pool Board, and was a volunteer firefighter for many years. In the early 90’s, he and Marie began attending annual reunions with fellow USS Cone shipmates across the United States, rekindling old friendships and starting treasured new ones. He felt privileged to go on the Honor Flight with fellow WWII veterans, an opportunity he truly appreciated. For several years, he enjoyed the camaraderie, meals and a friendly game of pool at the West Des Moines Senior Center. He loved attending Iowa Hawkeye football games and watching his favorite teams on TV. A game of Cribbage with his children and their spouses (along with a cold beer in his pre-diabetic days) was always a source of enjoyment. In his political discussions, he was a champion of compassion and honor. While his final years brought health challenges that slowed him down a bit, Max retained his wit, unfailing sense of humor and deep devotion to family. He had a heart of gold and we were so blessed to have been held in it.

Max is survived by his wife, Marie, their children, Jeani (Frank) Golwitzer, Jim (Amy) Bell, Jerry Bell, Jacqui (Mark) Essy, and Julie (Joe Finn) Yungclas; grandchildren, Judi (Chris) Johnson, Beau (Sue) Golwitzer, Holly (Nate) Gregg, Lacey (Danny) Pica, Erin (Jimmy) Essy-Proehl, Joe Essy, Eden (A.J. Kayser) Essy, Sam Yungclas and Jack Yungclas; great-grandchildren, Schuyler, Shiloh, Sidney, Micah, Grace and Jemma Johnson, Maya Gregg, and Eli, Jake and Meadow White; sisters-in-law, Agnes Louis, Marlene Oswald, Iris Oswald and Emily Oswald; brothers-in-law, Andrew Oswald and Dick Oswald; and many special nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding him in death were his son, Jeff Bell; mother, Helen Finley, step-fathers, Burt Bell and Kenneth Finley; sister, Joann Switzer; brother, Jimmy Bell; mother and father-in-law, Laura and Henry Oswald; sisters-in-law, Genevieve Nees, Angela Nees, Darlene Oswald, Phyllis Oswald and Leona Seidl; brothers-in-law, Leon Nees, Frank Nees, Bob Louis, John Seidl, Walter Oswald and John Oswald.

Max’s family extends sincere gratitude to the medical and pastoral staff at Mercy-West Lakes; nursing, rehabilitation and activities staff at Wesley Acres; Drs. Steinmetz, El-Mahdy, Rosenberg, Bissing, Hoyt, Fraizer and Gardner and their staff, and everyone who touched his life in your caring ways. God bless you.

In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to his family to be disbursed among his favorite charities or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Rest in peace, dear one.