Senator Claire Celsi
August 17, 1966 — October 06, 2025
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Service Details
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.
Tonya Marie LaFarr
10/25/2025
I met Senator Celsi in 2019 after she read the letter about my friend Jody who was found frozen to death in a homeless camp. We had a great visit with each other and I have never forgotten her compassion for the homeless. I got her involved with Anawim housing that same year. Thank you faithful servant for showing compassion and understanding to all of Iowa's issues. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Karl Beck
10/24/2025
I'm so sorry to hear about Claire. She was such a caring family member and always wonderful to spend time with. Thinking about the whole Celsi family as you go through this loss.
Love, Karl
Dr. Thomas B. Croat
10/23/2025
To my dear Iowa family, sister Ellen, her children and granchildren, especially to Claire's husband and children
Its really hard to believe that this lovely talented woman was taken so young by a complication that is so rare that we had not even heard of it. It is deeply saddening to think about and to know that Claire is gone. Being rather far away in St. Louis we are also saddened that we could not be there to help comfort her or even share in your family's grief. We earnestly prayed for her recovery and will continue to pray for her soul. Love, Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat Croat
State Senator John Hoffman
10/17/2025
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Senator Claire Celsi. Claire’s warmth, courage, and unwavering belief in people shaped not only the communities she served but the countless lives she touched along the way. She stood for what was right—always guided by compassion and conviction.
I will always cherish the early days when Ray Blase , Charles, and I joined her in starting the West Des Moines Democrats. Those moments were full of hope, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose that reflected who Claire truly was: a builder of community and a champion for others.
Her light will continue to guide those of us who were fortunate enough to know her. My deepest condolences go to her family and all who loved her.
With gratitude for her life and legacy,
Senator John Hoffman
Jo Beck
10/15/2025
Mourning the loss of one of my cherished nieces, Claire, who was a hard-working, dedicated public servant and activist. She wanted to make a difference in her world, and in her short life, she achieved that. Not many people can say that.
My condolences go out to the Celsi/Davis family. I'm SO proud of Claire and all that she did in her life.
Claire's aunt, Jo (Croat) Beck, St. Louis, MO
Lucille Bernal Marek
10/14/2025
To the families, Dear Celsi Family and Culver Family,
Our heartfelt condolences, please know you’re in our prayers and thoughts.
I was just looking at a St. Anthony grade school class photo with my late brother Lino and Claire; we lost them way too early.
While we are mourning the loss of Claire, others are rejoicing to meet her at the gates of Heaven.
Sincerely,
Lucille Bernal Marek & Estolia Bernal
Mike Tramontina
10/14/2025
My condolences to Claire's family and friends. Claire was very smart and very strong always ready to learn and talk about any issue. She deserves credit for standing up and speaking out when she saw injustice. Iowa needs more leaders like Claire.
Mary and Keith Madison
10/13/2025
We have all lost an Iowa precious gem, sending prayers and hugs to the family.
Rose and Rick Breuss
10/12/2025
How very sorry we are to hear of the passing of Claire. We knew Claire through the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. We are grateful for the gift of Claire who worked tirelessly for the people of Iowa. She will be sorely missed. Keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sam Dowling
10/10/2025
My heart is breaking for Chelsey, Bailey, Todd and the rest of Claire’s family.
My first US friend, Claire opened her home to me and was my guide to Democrat politics back in 1999.
From family lasagnes, karaoke, spice girls songs with the girls, and trips to Iowa’s oldest houses, I think back so fondly to her kindness and hospitality. And the selfless way she juggled family and politics and never complained or shirked.
Honoured to have called her a friend and to have stayed in touch over the last 26 years.
Forever in my heart, Claire. I miss you. Xxx
Pamela Backstrom
10/10/2025
To Claire’s beloved family,
No words can adequately express the loss of Claire means to me and to countless others. Her heart was as giving as her spirit was brilliant. She will be so incredibly missed. May her memory be the lighthouse that spurs us forward to build a better Iowa. I hold space for you as you feel this loss.
What is remembered lives. May her memory be eternal.
Much love,
Pam
LAURA PALMER-BRUGIONI
10/10/2025
Thank you for your service, Senator. You will be missed.