Joseph R. Lane, Sr.

Joseph Roderick Lane, Sr., passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Born July 6, 1935, in Peoria, Illinois, Joe’s life was guided by his Roman Catholic faith, shaping his approach to family, business, and community. He was a source of inspiration—whether in the duck blind, at a board meeting, or as development chair of the Christ Our Life Catholic Conference.

Joe’s business acumen left a lasting mark on Des Moines and beyond. As founder and CEO of Distinctive Packaging, he worked side by side with his children and met his beloved wife, Marilyn. Their marriage of over 40 years was a true partnership—rooted in love, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Marilyn’s steadfast presence was central to Joe’s life; her warmth, wisdom, and faith complemented his own, and their devotion to each other was evident to all who knew them.

Joe’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to own Two Rivers Lift & Equipment Company, partner in Assemblers, contribute to JIT Corp., and serve as CEO and Chairman of Merit Resources, Inc. He was also a board member of Shivvers Agricultural Equipment.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe was passionate about hunting from an early age. He served as President of the National Retriever Club and was a National Amateur Championship Finalist. Joe founded and presided over the Walden Farms duck hunting club in Riverton, Iowa, and created his personal hunting paradise, Mallards Landing in Amoret, Missouri. He cherished the genuine bonds formed through long conversations in the duck blind, famously observing that “a person can't keep a mask on” during extended hunting trips.

Joe was known for his kindness and integrity, never speaking ill of others and engaging in thoughtful conversation. He enjoyed challenging and exploring beliefs, especially regarding religion and politics. His guiding principle, “in all things consider the end,” shaped his life, business, and philanthropy.

Deeply committed to his faith and community, Joe served many organizations, including the boards of Iowa Catholic Radio and Iowa Catholic Radio Foundation, Catholic education initiatives, and even built a school in Haiti. His generosity and service touched countless lives.

Above all, Joe was the cherished patriarch of his family, guiding and loving them with devotion.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn Lane, children Joseph Lane Jr., Kathy (David) Adamson, daughter-in-law Connie Lane (widow of his late son, Mark), Tim (Cindy) Lane, Ted Lane, daughter-in-law Leisha Lane (widow of his late son, Paul), Michael (Lisa) Lane, Hunter (Bridget) Lane, sister Janet DeShaw, 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and his first wife Joanne Lane. He was preceded in death by sons Mark Lane, Paul Lane, and sister Theresa Carland.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, also at Sacred Heart. Burial will follow at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the Des Moines Diocese Seminarian Education Fund, Iowa Catholic Radio (please specify: Foundation or general operations), and Pulse Life Advocates.

Online condolences may be shared at www.caldwellparrish.com.