Eugene M. Alexander

Eugene “Gene” Martin Alexander, 92, of Clear Lake, formerly of Des Moines, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at Panora Specialty Care.

Per Gene’s wishes, his body has been cremated and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake. The family will greet friends from 9:30-11 a.m. and after the mass with lunch.  The service will be live streamed on the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church website: stpatrickcommunity.com.  The You Tube link is:  https://go.stpats.faith/GeneAlexander

Inurnment will be at Ventura Cemetery, in Ventura, later this summer.

Family suggests memorial contributions to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Clear Lake, or Care Initiatives Hospice, West Des Moines.

Gene was born Aug. 15, 1929, the son of Martin “Marty” and Lucille “Lucy” (Shors) Alexander, in Pocahontas, Iowa. He married Doris “Dory” Becker on May 21, 1949. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2008.

A graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Pocahontas, Gene then began working for Travelers Life Insurance Company. He later worked for Bell Brothers Heating and Cooling and retired from Firestone. During retirement, he and Dory moved to Clear Lake where Gene began working for Secory Plumbing and Heating, which he thoroughly enjoyed. 

To this day, Gene is still remembered by the red socks he wore for nearly 25 years while coaching eighth grade basketball at All Saints School and St. Peter’s School in Des Moines. He and his family created many memories while holding season tickets to Iowa Hawkeye football games and attending many basketball games over the years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan, and for over 20 years would winter in Mesa, Az. where the Cubs played their spring training games. 

Gene was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 7898, both in Clear Lake, he always liked helping with the Knights’ annual Irish Stew. He took great pride in and cherished being able to attend all of his grandchildren’s events, whether it was in Clear Lake, or involved a drive to Des Moines. During most summers, many could find him fishing from the 15th St. dock in Clear Lake. Gene loved Clear Lake and made many friends with his outgoing personality. Truly, he never met a stranger.

Gene is survived by his children, Mary Kay Bartine of Des Moines, Linda (Tom) Moore, of Adel, Tom (Mary B.) Alexander, of Clear Lake, and Susy (Gregg) Polzin, of Des Moines; 13 grandchildren, Nick (Amanda) Bartine, Michael Bartine, Abby Bartine, David (Jamie) Bartine, Bryan Moore, Brad Moore, Jennifer Moore, Caitlin (Sebastien) Marconato, Patrick (Melissa) Alexander, Alex (Ellen) Polzin, Ben Polzin, Molly (Wes) Henry and Jack Polzin; five great-grandchildren, Nathan and Aubrey Bartine, Maeva and Manu Kai Marconato and Emmett Henry; and sister-in-law, Ellen Alexander, of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son-in-law, Bill Bartine; and brother, Jerry Alexander.

Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.