John William Arbuckle Obituary in Ankeny at Memorial Services of Iowa

Obituary For John William Arbuckle

John “Bill” Arbuckle, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family following a brief illness.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. at Ankeny First United Methodist Church (206 SW Walnut St., Ankeny). A memorial service will follow from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. The memorial service will be livestreamed at the following link: https://ankenyfirstunitedmethodi.subspla.sh/wc6rpny

The family invites you to attend a church luncheon following service from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Please feel welcome to come as you are; John was never a fan of dressing up.

John was born on February 17, 1943, to Walter “Ikie” and Blanche Arbuckle. He was their fourth child and affectionately known as “Bill” by his family. He attended Corning High School and graduated from Iowa State University with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees.

John met April Strait in November 1960 when he was a senior in high school and April was in college. They began dating after John had a pizza party and only invited April. On May 2, 1964, John married April, beginning a 62-year marriage. They had three children, Chris, Ann, and Matt, and five grandchildren. John cherished his family and was very active in their lives.

John began work at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) shortly after its inception. As an instructor in the Electronics Department for 33 years, he was well known for being kind and patient with his students. John was very passionate about teaching and education.

Friendship was very important to John. Through his many hobbies and extracurricular activities, he forged and maintained many friendships over the years. He was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, the Model Airplane Club of Des Moines, and an Amateur Radio Club (KØIZI). Other interests included windsurfing, fishing, and photography. After he retired, John taught himself to play several instruments and began singing and playing music with the Fiddle and Ukulele Clubs of Des Moines. He loved music and traveled around the area to practice and perform.

John is survived by his wife, April; his children Christopher (Laurie), Ann (Frank), and Matthew (Julie); his five grandchildren, Amanda, Liam, Madalyn, Frankie, and Isaiah; his sister, Mary Jane; and many nieces, nephews, loving family, friends, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter “Ikie” and Blanche Arbuckle; his brother, Fred Arbuckle; and his sister, Alice Zimmerman.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the St. Croix Hospice staff and the Bridges/Mill Pond Assisted Living community for their exceptional care during John’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, the Arbuckle family has established a scholarship through the DMACC Foundation to honor John’s lifelong passion for education and to support future electronic students.

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