Joseph “Joe” Van Lent

Joseph “Joe” Van Lent

Des Moines

Joseph “Joe” Van Lent, 83, of Des Moines, passed away Jan. 25, 2023, at Ramsey Village in Des Moines, Iowa. A visitation will take place at 9 a.m. April 15, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Des Moines. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will follow, beginning at 10 a.m. Following Mass, a celebration of Joe’s life will take place with a time of fellowship and a meal. Following Mass there will be a Celebration of Life at the Iowa Department of the Blind. Burial will take place at a later.

Joseph Van Lent was born Aug. 22, 1939, in Mason City, to Louis and Elsie (Engels) Van Lent. Joe graduated from St. Patrick High School and following his graduation, he helped on the family farm for many years. After Joe started to lose his eyesight due to his childhood diabetes, he then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, for assistance and training under the Dr. Jergans Program. Following the program, he pursued his education in Business Enterprise. After he completed his education, he established a career for himself in the world of vending machines. Joe was a proud commissioner for the Iowa Department for the blind more many years.

Joe is survived by his wife Lora; brother, Leonard (Pat) Van Lent; and stepson, Kevin Erwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elsie; first wife, Nancy; brothers, Ted Van Lent and Walt Van Lent; and sisters, Helen Fitzgerald, Mary Murphy, Emily Benson, Erma Zilly and Florence Van Lent.

Memorials may be directed to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, National Federation of the Blind or Intervision Health Care. Online condolences may be left at www.caldwellparrish.com.