Obituary

Fred Robert Sangster, 87, Pleasantville, Iowa died at Accura Healthcare of Pleasantville, where he was given compassionate care, on Friday, June 6, 2025 after many years fighting Alzheimer’s. Fred was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 14, 1938 to Otto Richard & Anne Clara (Matre) Sangster. He was raised and educated in the Polk County area.

Fred worked in several different businesses all his life, dabbling in many endeavors.

His big passion was volunteering with the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force where he was involved in restoring, and maintaining their WWII B-25 Bomber “Miss Mitchell”. Giving tours as a certified flight mechanic for B-25 “Miss Mitchell” and often served as certified flight engineer on B-25 missions. He was able to impart technical knowledge of the aircraft and its role in WWII with his photographic memory on tours and history flights. He was given the Commemorative Air Force Unit Service Award, and earned his private pilot’s license at age 66.

He volunteered with Gideons International, Jaycees, and Royal Family Kids Camp. Traveling, reading, biking, and games were also past times.

Survivors include wife Laura Ann Sangster, whom he married July 5, 2008 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, son Mike Sangster, grandchildren Campbell, Charlotte, & Racquel Sangster, sister Karen Watts, and two stepchildren Anthony & Troy.

Preceding him in death were his parents Otto & Anne Sangster, daughter Molly Cornelisse, and wife Karen Sangster.

Fred’s family will greet friends from 9:00am to 10:00am, Friday, June 27, 2025 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50322 with his memorial service starting at 10:00am right after visitation. The family will then meet at South Oak Grove Cemetery, N. 10th Street & N. Harlan Street, Stuart, Iowa 50250 for interment at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Fred’s honor may be made to Immanuel Pathways - Central Iowa (they have given excellent care in helping, walking beside and comforting me all these years with Fred), Suncrest Hospice (recent palliative care), and the Commemorative Air Force.


ILES WESTOVER CHAPEL

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