Joseph Laurenzo

Joseph Bruce (Joe) Laurenzo, 87, passed away peacefully at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines on September 24, 2026, after a courageous battle against kidney and heart disease. Joe was born on March 17, 1939 (St. Patrick’s Day) in Des Moines, Iowa, the oldest of four children to Victor Laurenzo and Geraldean Bruce Laurenzo. Joe graduated in 1957 from Dowling Catholic High School. He later graduated from Drake University in Des Moines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing.

On November 26, 1960, Joe married his high school sweetheart Lindaclair Benoit. He worked for several years alongside his parents and siblings in the family restaurant. After graduating from Drake University, Joe worked for Look Magazine and Dial Finance before leaving the corporate world to pursue his passion of woodworking and building. He started Joe Laurenzo Construction Company building decks, garages and room additions. Before long, he built three or four custom homes a year, all of them reflected his trademark wood trim and built ins. Eventually, Joe transitioned his business to J. Laurenzo Specialty Products.

Joe was an avid outdoor sportsman enjoying hunting and fishing trips to the upper Midwest. He loved his trips with Linda to Vail and Steamboat, Colorado where they spent time flyfishing, kayaking and hiking. Joe never forgot his love of woodworking and he continued to make beautiful wooden furniture and carvings until well into his 80’s. He was probably most well-known for his authentic carved wooden duck decoys. Joe also loved his black labrador retrievers which he trained and entered in field trial competitions. He was an active member of St. Boniface Catholic Church where he served on the altar as a Eucharistic Minister and took communion to patients at MercyOne Medical Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Geraldean Laurenzo, brother Tom Laurenzo, sister Victoria DeGette and grandson Dominic. Those left to honor his memory are his wife Linda; his children: Brian Laurenzo (Patty), Jill O Connell (Paul) and Eric Laurenzo, (Regene); his grandchildren: Lindsay Effler, Joe O Connell, Katie Ferin, Scott Laurenzo, Claire Miller, Christopher Laurenzo and Samantha Smith; 12 great grandchildren; and his sister Teresa Laurenzo. Joe never gave up the fight to live and his courage and tenacity will be an inspiration to all who knew him.

A visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 27th followed by a rosary at 5:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 28th at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee followed by lunch. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines after lunch for those who wish to attend.

The family wishes to thank Joe’s caregivers at MercyOne Medical Center and DaVita Kidney Care for their compassion and expert care. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in his memory to St. Boniface Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.