February 24, 2021 Gail E. Boltinghouse

Gail E. Boltinghouse, 102
Gail E. Boltinghouse, 102, longtime Des Moines resident and Funeral Director, passed away February 17, 2021 at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Iles Dunn’s Chapel, Des Moines, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Masonic Cemetery, Des Moines. A Masonic Service will be held following the funeral service.
Gail was born April 28, 1918 in Lenox, Iowa to James and Clara (Boyer) Boltinghouse. He graduated from Lenox High School in 1937. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then completed St. Louis Mortuary College (1945). He eventually was invited to join the staff at Dunn’s Funeral Home where he worked full-time until his retirement in 1988. He continued to serve families part-time, well into his late 90’s. Over his 67 years in the funeral industry, he helped thousands of families and inspired many funeral directors.
Gail was married to Celia (Krebill) Boltinghouse for 27 years, and they had two daughters, Cynthia and Karen. Celia passed away in 1972. In 1978, Gail was united in marriage to Jeannette Wright Aduddell. They were longtime members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Gail was also an active 50 plus year member of Acanthus Masonic Lodge, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, where he loved to volunteer at the circus, Des Moines Consistory, Kiwanis Club, Isaac Walton League, High Twelve, First Christian Church and the Iowa Funeral Directors Association since 1953.
Gail is survived by his wife of 42 years, Jeannette; his daughter, Cynthia (Ray) Sczekan, grandchildren, Michelle Sczekan and Heather (Adam) Hoffman and great granddaughter, Kennedy Hoffman; daughter, Karen (Joe) Giliberti, grandchildren, Angelina “Angie” (Will) Bradley and Joey Giliberti and great grandchildren, Brennan Wills and Beau Bradley; step daughter, Jo Ellen Aduddell, grandchildren, Andrew Getman and Kathryn “Katy” Getman; as well as a nephew, Dr. Earl (JoAnn) Boltinghouse and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Celia; brothers, George and Reldon Boltinghouse.
Gail’s impeccable memory of people, sharing of stories, loyalty, and kind, affirming soul will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The funeral service will be livestreamed. A link will appear at 1:45pm, Wednesday, February 24 on Gail’s obituary page at www.IlesCares.com, where guests may find an expanded obituary and also leave online condolences.