Senator Claire Celsi

Senator Claire Celsi, age 59, passed away peacefully at Kavanagh House on Monday, October 6,
2025. She was born on August 17, 1966 in Des Moines to Frank and Ellen (Croat) Celsi.

Claire grew up in Des Moines, and spent her early career working mainly for ad agencies before
starting her public relations business in 2009. Claire worked with small to medium-sized
companies, nonprofits, and government agencies to help them get noticed through public
relations, marketing, and grassroots advocacy.

Claire graduated from Dowling High School, and obtained a B.A. in Sociology in 2001 at Drake
University. She returned to Drake often as a guest lecturer and adjunct professor, teaching
courses in internet marketing, public relations writing, and social media.

Claire was a “news junkie”, always watching CNN, listening to NPR, and keeping up on current
events. This interest fueled her desire to be more involved in local politics. Claire was one of
the first instrumental members of West Des Moines Democrats, an organization dedicated to
supporting candidates for a wide range of local, state, and federal offices. Claire enjoyed
working on campaigns, from Al Gore’s presidential bid, to the West Des Moines City Council and
School Board elections.

One of Claire’s proudest accomplishments was serving the people of Iowa. Claire was elected to
her third term in the Iowa Senate in 2024, and was an Assistant Democratic Leader. She was
honored to represent her constituents in Senate District 16, encompassing West Des Moines,
Windsor Heights, and Clive, as well as a small portion of eastern Dallas County.

Claire served on the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency Council, the Early Childhood Iowa
board, and the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communications National Advisory Board.
She also previously served on the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Board of Directors.

Friends and colleagues of Senator Celsi have described her as a fierce advocate for public
education, clean water, and quality nursing home care, among many other causes.

In her personal life, Claire was very close to her daughters Chelsey and Bailey, and enjoyed
spending time with them. Claire would always comment that they “meant the world” to her.
Claire also loved to spoil her granddaughter Mia, with whom she shared a special bond.

Claire is survived by her husband Todd Culver and stepson Zach; daughters Chelsey Davis and
Bailey (David) Fawkes; granddaughter Mia Lose; and new grandson Dean Fawkes. She is
also survived by her mother Ellen Celsi; sister Teresa Celsi; brother and sister-in-law Frank and
Lori Celsi; and nephews Charlie (Anna) Celsi, and Anthony (Keierra) Celsi. Claire was preceded in
death by her father Frank A. Celsi.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Valley High
School Cafeteria, 3650 Woodland Avenue, West Des Moines 50265.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Claire’s memory may be made to the Historic Valley
Junction Foundation, 137 Fifth Street, West Des Moines IA 50265.

Our family also sends a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Kavanagh House, for their
care and compassion in Claire’s final days.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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