John Tracy McLaughlin, 61, died unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack on October 26, 2022, at his home.
John was born on August 18, 1961, in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Christ the King and St. Theresa’s grade schools and Dowling Catholic High School. John was a proud alumnus from Dowling, where he played football and baseball. He continued to be a loyal follower by cheering them on each year. He later attended UNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa, pursuing his interest in architecture. This enhanced his skills in cabinetry, brick and tile, flooring, and project management. His most recent career has been with Wells Fargo Corporate Properties in West Des Moines.
John is survived by his wife Laurie, daughter Emily McLaughlin, son Derek (Melissa) McLaughlin, grandsons Griffin and Bauer McLaughlin, brothers Steve McLaughlin and Tom McLaughlin, sisters Andrea and Angela McLaughlin, many nieces and nephews, and three half-sisters. John was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Ellie McLaughlin.
John cherished playing in the men’s baseball league, cheering on the Hawkeyes and the Cardinals, and most importantly supporting Derek and Emily in all their school activities. A loving husband and devoted dad. GO HAWKEYES!
John will be laid to rest in Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to The Kiwanis Miracle League, 505 5th Avenue, Suite 200, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
Joseph P. Reser, 54, died unexpectedly on Friday, December 16, 2016. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Thursday, December 22, 2016 with visitation from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and a memorial service at 6:30 p.m.
Joe was born October 2, 1962 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and grew up in Des Moines. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Dowling High School in 1981. He then attended the University of Iowa, becoming a life-long Hawkeye fan before transferring to Iowa State University and graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked as a chemist for many years at Qualis and was currently employed at Weeks & Leo.
Joe loved sports! He played football and baseball at Dowling. He played and later coached at Raccoon Valley Little League for more than 20 years. He played adult league baseball with MIBL, and served on the board. He played in the annual MSBL World Series in Arizona for 22 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting deer and turkey, canoeing and bicycling. Joe enjoyed Octoberfest, playing poker, bartending Friday nights at Greenwood Lounge, and being with family and friends.
He is survived by his brothers, Ed (Holly), Phil (Esther) and John (Dawn) Reser; his sisters, Roberta Shuey, Mary Kay Reser, and Patti (Greg Joura) Reser; his nieces and nephews, Sara (Jim) Tasler, Brian (Andrea) Reser, Abby (Joe Mertzig) Reser, Annie (Clark) Reser-Moorehead, Amelia, Lillian, Sam and Madeline Browning, Aubrey and Jack Reser and Mick Joura; great-nieces and nephews, Konrad, Loralei, Mason and Katelyn; and his companion, Teresa Schutte. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Ruth Reser; and brothers, Doug and Larry Reser.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Raccoon Valley Little League or to Dowling Catholic High School.
Dan Davis served as an umpire in our league for many years. 1/24/1946 - 11/6/2019
Dan was one of our most reliable & dedicated umpires over the years & was very easy to get along with. Dan was recently added to our Hall of Fame ballot and is now one of two umpires on that ballot. He was present for the inaugural class of HOF inductees in May of 2017.
CLICK HERE for his full obituary.
Greg Gaul, Des Moines Royals/A's: 5/9/62 - 1/27/04
Bill Hyland, Des Moines Yankees (founding member): 6/23/24 - 10/8/07
Richie Brown, Des Moines Dodgers/Red Sox: 1972 - 12/21/09
Nick Otto, Des Moines Bulldogs/Grays: 2/15/56 - 8/28/13
Gary Lago, Des Moines Phantoms: 2/2/54 - 7/16/14
Bob Hutzel, Umpire: 7/4/49 - 12/10/14
Rod McCloney, Des Moines Braves: 10/13/68 - 3/31/15
Matt Badeaux, Umpire: 12/1/81 - 5/10/15
Brian Kirvin, Iowa Oaks: 3/23/59 - 7/8/15
Joe Reser, Des Moines Yankees/Bruins: 10/2/62 - 12/16/16
Ryan Danly, Mid-Iowa Bandits: 6/23/81 - 10/17/17
Dan Davis, Umpire: 1/24/46 - 11/6/19
Wesley "Dion" Taylor, Monarchs/Demons: 5/25/72 - 2/27/20
William “Eric” Terry, Tigers/Cubs/Demons/Saints: 9/5/73 – 7/22/21
John McLaughlin, Hawks: 8/18/61 - 10/26/22
Mike Fouts, Twins: 11/12/46 - 8/22/24
