Fr. Martin Chevalier

Fr. Martin Chevalier, beloved priest, musician, and family historian, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith and compassion. Born on November 27, 1954, in Des Moines, IA, to Herschel and Monica (Craig) Chevalier, he was the fifth of six children in a loving family.

Martin graduated from North Des Moines High School in 1973 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Audiology from the University of Iowa. He furthered his education with a Master of Divinity from St. John’s University in St. Cloud, MN, and became a Board Certified Chaplain.

Ordained into the priesthood on November 26, 1983, Martin celebrated his first Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines on his birthday, November 27. He served as a secular priest for the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines until 2003, when he began chaplaincy training in Washington, DC. After completing his training, he served as a chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO, and St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Martin returned to Des Moines in 2015 and retired from chaplaincy at the VA Hospital in September 2023, dedicating 40 years to serving the Lord and his community.

A passionate musician, Martin taught himself to play the piano in junior high and honed his vocal talents through voice lessons. His beautiful voice resonated in various choirs throughout his life, leaving a lasting impression on all who heard him sing.

As the family historian, Martin was the go-to person for ancestral clarification, cherishing family connections and gatherings, especially with cousins. His quick wit, humor, and compassionate spirit endeared him to friends and family alike. Though he could be brash at times, his heart was pure gold.

Martin is survived by his brother, Steven Chevalier of Cape Coral, Florida; sisters, Sr. Dorothy Ann Chevalier of Johnston and Jane (John) Sehman of Urbandale; along with six nieces, one nephew, six great-nieces, five great-nephews, two great-great-nieces, and three great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and James Chevalier, and two nephews.

In faith and sadness, we return Martin to God, where he will join family and friends who have gone before us in faith, awaiting the glory of the resurrection. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. A visitation will start at 9:00 AM at the church.