John Waltz Obituary

John (Russ) Russell Waltz passed away peacefully at his home in Des Moines, Iowa on May 15, 2025, at the age of 61. The family will receive friends 5-7:00 pm Monday, May 19th at Iles Funeral Homes Dunn’s Chapel.

Russ was born in Winterset, Iowa on June 21, 1963, weighing only 3lbs 1oz. He was immediately rushed to the Des Moines hospital by highway patrol.

Russ graduated from Denison Job Corps. He worked for Wilberts Burial Vaults for 30+ years, and spent his last years doing a job he enjoyed at Wrench 'n Go.

Russ enjoyed baseball, swimming, and motorcycles in his younger years. He always had a love for water, especially the ocean. The beach was his happy place. Long crooked walks on the beach with his wife and kids would always guarantee a smile on everyone's face. He loved to travel and go on road trips. He would always take the long way to find something to see. His last trip was with his family to Murfreesboro, Arkansas to the Crater of Diamond State Park. He was asked if he was going to look for diamonds, and he said he has all the diamonds he could ever want watching all of his family together.

Russ is survived by his wife, Lisa Waltz, former wife, Ellen Waltz; son; Jesse (Heather) Waltz; daughters, Misty (Dusten) Polka-Lehnick, Becky Waltz, Amanda Martin, Jessie Martin; Mother, Evelyn Hamilton, and sister, Angie Harrison McDowell, Grandkids, Owen, Auriauna, Zander, Kiley, Lucas, Declan, and Skyler.

Russ was the best dad, husband, son, and friend anyone could ever ask for. He was never afraid to tell you how it was or speak the truth. He was a very honest, but blunt man. His favorite saying was, "It is what it is" as he shrugged his shoulders. If you wanted anything sugar-coated, he surely was not the one to talk to. That is what made him the man that he was.

Russ is preceded in death by his biological father, John J. Waltz, father, Lewis Hamilton, father-in-law, Donald Corbin, and grandparents, Leslie and Ruth Bush.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

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