Obituary of Christopher DeSaulniers

Christopher “Dez” DeSaulniers, age 48 of Iowa City died suddenly Friday, September 11, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Chris has been associated in management with HyVee for many years at stores in Jefferson City, Des Moines, Clinton, Iowa City and as Director of Coralville Number 1 store. Chris was born August 1, 1972, in Marshalltown, Iowa the son of Gregory and Lorraine (Judge) DeSaulniers. Growing up in Marshalltown he attended schools there graduating with the Class of 1990 from Marshalltown High School. He then attended and graduated from The University of Northern Iowa in 1995. Growing up in Marshalltown he started on two paths that would have an impact on the rest of his life. First being the scouting organization beginning as a Cub Scout Pack member which his mother “Lori” was his den mother. He went on advancing on through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the culmination of his hard work and achievements, becoming an Eagle Scout. Throughout the years of scouting he held various leadership positions and received numerous recognitions. Chris enjoyed so much about scouting, but probably none more than going on the high adventure trips especially with his father, Greg. The other path that Chris chose was joining HyVee first as a carry-out boy in high school, then advancing to the Director of his own store, Coralville No. 1, the position he held at the time of his death. Chris lived life to its fullest, always pushing himself to be better for not necessarily himself, but for those around him. He was one who many looked to for leadership, support, and advice. He enjoyed much in his world: hunting, an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, and the ultimate definition of a “gear head”, one very avid bicyclist! He was co-founder of Team Hard, a group that has ridden numerous RAGBRAI’s, and he personally supported JDRF Rides for Diabetes. But, near and dear to his heart were his family and friends. He was the dad there participating in, and supporting anything and everything his kids were involved in. You would see that grin when he was in the midst of his family and good friends. Life was good! He married the love of his life, Julee Ward on April 15, 2000, in Indianola. From this their family was born, their three children: Noah, Carson, and Rylee. Other family includes his parents, Greg and Lori DeSaulniers; his sister, DeLinn Payne and her husband, Jeff; their children, Jackson and Hudson; Julee’s parents, Gene and Sherry Ward; Julee’s siblings and their families, Gene Ward and his wife, Kelly; Warren Ward and his wife, Allison and daughter, Ashley; and Gail Kuehl and her husband, Brent and their children, Baker, Brenden and Cameron. Private family services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, September 17, 2020, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Chris’s service will be live streamed on Thursday morning, to view please search “Remembering Christopher DeSaulniers” on facebook and request to join the group. Public visitation will held on Wednesday from 4 to 7pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to assist in his children’s future. For a complete obituary, to share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. “Social distancing standards will be in place along with the expectation of all in attendance will be expected to wear a mask. If you arrive without one will be provided to you by the funeral home. Thank you for supporting Chris’ family with your presence and being conscientious in doing so.”