Alan John Trainer

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Alan John Trainer in the early hours of Sunday, April 12, 2026. At the young age of 78, his earthly body gave out but his spirit went home to be with the Lord. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Alan, known as "PopPop", will be greatly missed as he left us too soon.

Alan was born on July 1, 1947, in Buffalo, New York to parents Alexander Trainer and Melania "Mildred" Szczepanski. His parents later moved the family to Memphis, TN. At an early age, Alan was diagnosed with scoliosis and spent almost an entire year in a full-body cast. It was during this time that he developed a love for Amateur Ham Radio, something that he continued all throughout life, even up until his final days with us. Alan later attended the University of Memphis, earning a bachelor's degree. He took a job with Nationwide Insurance as a Commercial Underwriter, at which he worked until retirement.

Alan was also a lifelong devoted Catholic. He would attend weekly Mass at Holy Rosary Church in Memphis, always sitting a pew behind a beautiful young lady, Susan Block, whom he later married on September 20, 1974. Together, they brought 6 children into the world. When his office in Memphis decided to close, Alan accepted a transfer to West Des Moines, IA, where he remained until his passing.

As a young man, Alan always had a love for those small sporty fast cars, which he carried into his later years. During his life in Iowa, Alan purchased a sporty little Pontiac Solstice, which was his next favorite thing to Ham Radio. When he wasn't polishing his car or talking about the latest Formula 1 race, he could be found commenting on someone he just talked to in an exotic part of the world most people have never heard of.

But above all hobbies and interests, Alan loved his family the most. A proud father and grandfather, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family. From homework to walking the dogs, fixing whatever needed fixing, to helping the boys tinker with their cars, Alan was always available for his family. He instilled lifelong skills amongst his kids and grandkids, always welcoming them to share in his passions as well.

While in Iowa, Alan continued his Catholic devotion, instilling faith amongst his family as they became parishioners at the Basilica of St. John. A soft-spoken man of God, Alan lived his life for the Lord; a life that was truly well lived.

Alan was preceded in passing by his parents, Alexander and Melania Trainer; sisters, Nancy Trainer and Melody Jackson; sons, Robert and Luke Trainer.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan Trainer; son, Joe Trainer; daughters, Annie (Sam) Mitchel, Mary Trainer, Rebecca Trainer; grandkids, Simon Peter Mitchel, Dominic Gerard Mitchel, Samantha Anne Mitchel, and Penelope Marie Mitchel; and his three fury four-legged companions, Lucy, Lily, and Maggie.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Noon Mass at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave, Des Moines, IA, with burial to follow at Glendale Cemetery.