Jack Henry Hiatt

Jack Henry Hiatt, 80, of Des Moines, Iowa, was born in 1945 to Irene Zeiler Hiatt and Jack Henry Hiatt Sr., who was killed in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge. Jack was lovingly raised by his mother and his paternal grandparents in his early childhood.

He graduated from North High School in Des Moines in 1963. He shared a close bond with his cousins, John and Mike, and friend Jerry. He was known for getting into a bit of mischief with them in his younger years.

Jack worked as a supervisor at Parker Brothers Games in Urbandale, where he met the love of his life, Darlene Domino. They were married on May 28, 1966, and recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. Jack later worked as a machinist at Townsend Industries in Altoona and went on to serve as a Special Education Associate at FOCUS High School in the Des Moines Public Schools, retiring in 2017.

He had a deep love of the outdoors—fishing, hunting, and camping with his family brought him great joy. He was a devoted Chicago Cubs fan and cherished time spent at the family lake house on Lake Ponderosa, where he could fish, boat, and relax. Jack adored animals and was especially fond of his dog Roxy and cat Tommy.

Jack was a longtime Eucharistic Minister at Christ the King Catholic Church. He gave generously of his time, volunteering with Operation Santa Claus and helping St. Vincent de Paul organize Thanksgiving baskets until his health no longer allowed him to do so. Above all, he loved being with his family and was very proud of his children.

Jack is survived by his wife, Darlene Hiatt; his children, Kathleen (Lonnie) Shannon and Matthew Hiatt (Paul Pettinger); his siblings, Terri (Dave) McElevogue, Gordon Trenhaile, and Tracy (Coral) Trenhaile; his grandchildren, Brianna (Nash) Morgan and Wyatt (Mollie) Shannon; and great-grandchildren, River Morgan and Sawyer Shannon.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Trenhaile; his father, Jack Henry Hiatt Sr.; and his stepfather, Harry Trenhaile.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the therapy staff, nurses, and aides at Methodist Hospital for their compassion and friendship during Jack’s extended stay. Special thanks also to Lisa Wright, Jack’s Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) nurse from DaVita, whose care and kindness gave him the gift of more time.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to Jack’s siblings—Terri (Dave), Gordon, and Tracy (Coral) —for their unwavering love and support. Their frequent visits, companionship, and helping hands during Jack’s extended hospital stays brought great comfort to both Jack and the family during these last several months.

The family will be greeting friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street, Des Moines. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. A luncheon will be held in the Parrish Hall starting at Noon. Jack will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorial contributions may be directed to Darlene Hiatt. Donations will be gifted to FOCUS High School in the Des Moines Public School District, where Jack worked for many years, in support of its students.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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