Frederick Gee Obituary

It is with deep sadness yet profound blessings that the family of Frederick “Fred” Ross Gee announce his passing on October 30, 2024 at the age of 87. Fred was born May 20, 1937 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents Ledrew and Cora Gee and all five of his siblings.

Fred graduated from Drake University and went on to obtain two graduate ministry degrees - M. Div. from Lexington Theological Seminary and D. Min. from McCormick Theological Seminary. Fred served in various parish ministries in Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, and Ohio as well as the Regional Staff in the Upper Midwest (9 years) and the Southwest (2 ½ years). Among Fred’s greatest pride was the redevelopment of the camping ministry at The Conference Center in the Upper Midwest and The Christian Youth Foundation in the Southwest. Fred found great satisfaction later in life as he went on to earn certification as an archaeological Field Technician and Site Surveyor through the Iowa Archaeology Society and the Office of the State Archaeologist, serving on the Board of the Iowa Archaeology Society. Fred was always willing to talk about Archaeology and the “digs” he participated in at Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee, Cahokia Mounds in Illinois, and various Native American sites throughout the Midwest. Fred found great joy in teaching courses on Archaeology and The Bible for the Ray Society (Olli) at Drake University as well as leading Learning Hour at First Christian/New Beginnings Christian Church and sharing his expertise at Lakeside Lab on Lake Okoboji, Iowa. He served as President of the Des Moines Area Religious Council and after retirement as a volunteer at the DMARCC Food Pantry and for the Iowa Religious Media Services Center.

Fred married Sharon Swenson on September 6th, 1964. He is survived by his wife and two children, Kevin Ross Gee (Barbara Rain) and Kelly Jonell Gee Tafoya. Fred will be lovingly remembered by his four grandchildren Jessica Gee, Camryn, Celia, and Samuel Tafoya. Fred found great enjoyment in travel as he and Sharon traveled to all 50 states and over 40 countries. He especially enjoyed 20+ years of family vacations at Fillenwarth Beach, Lake Okoboji, and annual Spring Break trips to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Fred spent time in his computer room, reading, watching spectator sports, and walking. If he wasn’t talking about archaeology, Fred would be happy to tell you about his grandchildren and how proud he was of their lives and accomplishments.

The visitation for Fred will be held at Iles Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Road on November 15 from 5:00 - 7:00, and a celebration of life service will be held at New Beginnings Christian Church, 8631 Hickman Road on November 16 at 11:00, both in Des Moines, Iowa. The family invites you to a luncheon immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fred’s memory may be made to the Des Moines Area Religious Council or New Beginnings Christian Church (Week of Compassion). Fred was a man of faith and family, he was smart, thoughtful, introspective, and he believed in equality and justice for all people. Words will never express the man Fred was and the life he lived. He will be deeply missed by many and fondly remembered by all.

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.

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