It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Gary Stephen Fletcher of Des Moines, IA — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of his story.
Memory has a way of softening time.
Lifelong Des Moines resident Gary Stephen Fletcher passed away April 22, 2026 at the age of 83, leaving a legacy of passion for athletic competition, a love of mentoring, and an enthusiasm for his community in central Iowa.
Des Moines was more than where Gary lived-it was home in every sense. It was where he built his life, his career, and perhaps most meaningfully, many lifelong friendships. People from all walks of life were drawn to his easygoing and humble nature, his sincerity, and his genuine kindness.
Gary was born July 6, 1942 to Jonathan Moss and Virginia Votruba Fletcher. From an early age, Gary stood out as a competitor and a leader. As a high school freshman, his parents tried to provide him with a boarding school education in Michigan, but his fervor to follow in the footsteps of boyhood heroes and be a part of Roosevelt High School's then dominant football machine ensured that he was back home before the first semester was out. At Roosevelt, he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis. He went on to the University of Iowa, where he began as an unrecruited walk-on player and eventually made it to first-string center for two years. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten and played in the North-South Shrine Game. Remarkably for an interior lineman, Gary also lettered in tennis for the Hawkeyes.
Gary's love of sports extended well beyond his playing days. He served as a freshman coach at Iowa under Jerry Burns. Later, he was an assistant football coach at Drake University under Jack Wallace while also coaching the men's tennis team. A natural competitor, Gary remained active, competing in tennis tournaments throughout Iowa, and was an avid golfer.
In the years before his sons were born, Gary enjoyed broadcasting Hawkeye football games on WHO Radio, serving as a color commentator alongside his friend Jim Zabel. Several decades later, the duo would reprise their roles broadcasting games for Arena Football's Iowa Barnstormers.
In 1971 Gary married Elizabeth Jayne Ruan and together they built a life centered on their boys, friendships, and shared interests-especially sports. Jayne was an accomplished equestrian and artist in whose achievements he took great pride. She was stricken with multiple sclerosis in 1975, and after a very long battle, succumbed to that disease in 1992.
Professionally, Gary built a diverse career across finance, communications, and business leadership. He served in sales and marketing roles at American Federal Savings & Loan Association and Ruan Transportation before founding his own firm, Fletcher Communications. At his core, Gary was a coach-not just in sports, but in life. Perhaps it was that interest which led him to devote the balance of his professional career to being a financial advisor. Gary was involved in several organizations in his community, including Rotary and the National Football Foundation, where he served as president of the Iowa chapter.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Jayne and his parents Jonathan and Virginia. He is survived by sons Jonathan R. (Lauren) of Des Moines and Stephen of Lake Forest, IL; grandchildren Elizabeth, Alexander, Linley, and Lucy; siblings John (Nancy), Ginny (Pete), and Katy (Charles); numerous cousins and their families: the Willis and Blount families from the Votruba side and the Gross and Fecht families from the Fletcher side.
Visitation will be at Iles Dunn's Chapel on Monday, May 11 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A funeral will be held at St. Augustin Church on May 12 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a noon reception at the Wakonda Club.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Brio of Johnston for their compassionate care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Iowa, the WesleyLife Foundation, or a fitting charity of one's choice.
Arrangements through Iles Dunn's Chapel. Online condolences welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
