John Patrick Dorrian

The Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed at the link provided: https://youtube.com/live/XKj3qwJnlic

John Patrick Dorrian, 83, of West Des Moines, IA, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024 at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center in West Des Moines, IA with his wife by his side. A visitation will be 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 22, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in West Des Moines. A burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines (601 Grand Ave Des Moines, IA 50309). Online condolences may be sent to www.caldwellparrish.com

John Pat was born to Thomas and Helen Dorrian on March 4, 1940, in Jefferson, Iowa. Des Moines, Iowa was his lifelong home where he attended Dowling High School and Des Moines Area Community College. Just this year he would have celebrated 63 years of marriage to his bride Carolyn Dorrian he lovingly referred to as “the bat”.

John Pat was a man of many talents, and it seemed there was nothing in this world he couldn’t do. He was a lifelong Union Plumber to Local 33, held many positions and retired as the Business Manager for the local. A public servant to the City of Des Moines (the city that he loved), he was a City Council Member, Mayor Elect Pro-Tem, and served as Mayor of Des Moines for 8 years. He served on many boards including Mercy Hospital, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Grand View College, and Iowa State Bank among many others. Later in retirement John Pat even took a stab at selling vehicles, and being the track promoter at the Iowa State Fair Speedway.

If you wrote a book about John Pat, it would almost be hard to believe that man could have done so much. A champion cow chip thrower, testified to congress, attended a presidential Inaugural Ball. Restored his beloved 64 Impala with his own two hands, a sly prankster, and a comedian that always could make you laugh. An avid cyclist, a banjo picker, and an amazing Gardner. He enjoyed Saturday morning breakfast with the guys, attending car shows, and weekly motorcycle trips with his friends. An Eagle Scout, candy maker, master dog trainer, jewelry maker and could crack a bullwhip so loud you would think lightning struck the earth he stood on.

John Pat wasn’t just one of the good guys, he was the best guy. Never did his bride Carolyn have to open a door. A hopeless romantic he always signed everything he wrote to her as “lover boy” and for over 60 years she always had a made from scratch birthday cake. He loved and gave to his family like you couldn’t imagine. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his beloved dog Daisy are all better because of him.

A man of faith, John Pat regularly attended church. It didn’t matter what part of the world he was in, he was getting to mass. We delight in the fact that he is no longer suffering and is in heaven listening to the rain, visiting with old friends, and spending time with his son David.

John Pat is survived by his wife Caroyln Dorrian of West Des Moines, two daughters, Denise (Tom) Spagnola of Dallas, TX, Deann (Eric) Johnson of Des Moines, IA, seven grandchildren: Brian (Sherry) Spagnola, Savannah Spagnola, Austin (Alexys) Spagnola, Devin Spagnola, Christopher (Amy) Deist, Jordan Dorrian, Amber (Adam) Holiday, twelve great grandchildren, one brother, Rick Dorrian, many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, David Dorrian, one grandson, Jameson Dorrian, parents, Thomas and Helen Dorrian, two sisters, Beverly Dorrian, Deloras Ross, two brothers, Thomas Dorrian and Donald Dorrian.