John Avery Obituary

John Avery, 81, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025 while surrounded by his family.

John’s family will greet friends from 5 - 8 p.m. at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 on Wednesday, April 2. A funeral service will be held Thursday morning, April 3, at Iles Grandview Park Chapel at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Berwick Cemetery. A reception will be held following the burial.

John was born March 3, 1944 in Knoxville Iowa to Robert and Alice (Simmons) Avery. He graduated from Knoxville High School, then worked on a farm until he started working at auto body shops. In 1973, he started “J&S Body Shop,” working and enjoying customers until the very end.

John met Susan in Eldora in 1964, and they were married on January 5, 1965. The couple went on to have three children, John, Robert, and Diane.

John coached baseball for 15 years at Grandview Little League where he also served as the groundskeeper. He was also president of Accent Neighborhood Association for 5 years.

Racing was a passion. John started with drag racing, then demolition derby and enduro racing. He could be found at the Boone Speedway every Saturday night working as a track official. Friends became family at the race track.

John loved to go on motorcycle rides with Susan, as well as going bowling and square dancing for many years. Weekly card games were held with the Sappenfields. He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren who he shared very special relationships with. One of John’s Favorite pastimes was taking Ranger rides with his dog and best friend, Tucker.

Survivors include his wife, Susan (Ryerson); sons, John (Jill) Avery, Robert (Donnella) Avery, and their daughter, Diane (Roger) Hyler; grandchildren Robbie and Jordan Avery, Taylor and Kelsey Havlik, Hope Avery, Faith (Dan) Deaver; great-grandchildren, Emma D, Wesley, and Emma H. John is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alice, and granddaughter Cally Havlik.

Pallbearers include Robbie Avery, Taylor Havlik, Dan Deaver, Jim Kerr, Mike Murray, and Rod Richards. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Skoog, Lawrence “Pee-Wee” Pitman, Dave Lynch, Roger Fitz, Bryce Kemp, Danny Mitchell, Norm Fuller, and Cal Calhoun.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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