Raul G Lopez

Mr. Raúl G. López of Des Moines was called home to the Lord on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the age of 89. Raúl was born to parents Tómas and Sara López on November 27, 1932 in Orange Grove, Texas. Raúl is survived by his sons, Francisco of Texas, Raúl Jr. (Denise) of Iowa, Danny of Missouri, Christopher of Iowa, Matthew (Dedra) of Iowa, Jerry (Christine) of Minnesota, daughter-in-law Rebecca of Texas. Grandchildren Frank (María), Domingo (Pat), Pati (Christopher), Vicky (Carlos), Fabian, Marylee (Javier), Denise (Refugio), Ernest Ray (Denise), Joshua, Jason, Sara, Jeremy, Cory, Matt (Crystal), Angela, Rachel (Eric), Mark, Emi, Iztla, Tala, Nemi, and over 30 great grandchildren. Sister Virgina of Texas, brothers Tómas (Mary) and Joseph of Indiana, and Reynaldo (Donna) of Illinois, sister-in-law Victoria of Indiana and a great many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Tómas and Sara, son Ernesto, daughter-in-law Rosa, grandson Ryan, sisters María and Genoveva, brothers Heriberto, Guadalupe, Andres and Domingo, sisters-in-law Martha and Wanda. Raúl was a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in Japan, Duluth, Minnesota, and Long Island, New York. After the Air Force, Raúl lived in Duluth, Minnesaota and Superior, Wisconsin before moving to the Des Moines Iowa area where he has lived since 1980. Raúl was an entrepreneur and owned a restaurant, bar and his own over the road truck. He then worked for Emco for over 20 years where after he retired he opened two deli shops. He believed that “you should never stop moving” and in his late 60s Raúl’s refusal to retire led him to work until he was 85 at Walmart. He lived out his remaining years enjoying time with family and friends. Raúl loved to cook and was not shy about showing his skills in the kitchen, or helping others to cook it better. In his younger years he enjoyed taking film photos of his travels and friends. He later turned to using Polaroid cameras and always kept one nearby. Raúl also loved dogs and had many best friends over the years. In keeping with Raúl’s wishes he will be cremated with no services. Interment of his ashes will take place in Indiana near his parents, brothers and other relatives.