Chester “Chet” Lee Guinn, 97, was born July 19, 1928, in Whitestown, Indiana, and died Aug. 2, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.
When Chet was 2, his family moved from Indiana to Iowa for employment in order to survive the Great Depression.
He was a graduate of Sioux City East High School, Morningside College (B.A.) and Pacific School of Religion (M.A.).
Chet served as student pastor of Trimble Methodist Church, Sioux City (three years), the yoked parish of Hazleton-Stanley (three years) and Alcatraz prison employees’ chaplain (one year).
After ordination in 1955, he served United Methodist churches in Akron (seven years), Emmetsburg (seven years) and Perry (10 years). He completed his professional clergy career serving as the Des Moines Urban Minister, dealing with social issues of the city.
After retirement from ministry, Chet enjoyed a 20-year business career as salesperson and general manager for Borgen Systems.
Working for world peace became his life’s passion. For more than three decades, he served as the volunteer Peace and Justice Advocate for the Iowa Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, joining his colleagues in educational and demonstrative action on behalf of farmers, labor, women, all races, all faiths and world peace issues.
Chet led trips to Washington, D.C., for protests, supported conscientious objectors, attended countless rallies and demonstrations (being arrested a number of times) and supported refugee families both directly and indirectly.
Among his interests were gardening, fishing, biking, antiques and the restoration of historic buildings, including Old Fire Station #4, saved at the last minute from bulldozer demolition. Many have memories of attending community meetings, political forums and family gatherings in this National Historic Register building, complete with brass pole and antique fire truck, noted for scooping the loop with noisy passengers of all ages.
He is survived by two daughters, Naomi L. (Paul Guinn-Johnson) of Des Moines and Sandra L. of Wheatridge, Colorado; one son, William Hayes (Jeri) of Dana, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Erin, Matthew, Rylie, Crystal, Kaitlin, Anthony, Hannah and Erica; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and his longtime companion, Eloise Cranke.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Juanita Dorothy (Yearous); daughters, Leslie Marie and Kimberly Suzanne; father, William E. Guinn; mother, Beryl A. (Hine); and his sisters, Rosalyn, Virginia and Gwendolyn.
Chet has donated his body to science. There will be a visitation and memorial service at the Trinity Las Americas United Methodist Church at 1548 Eighth St., second floor, in Des Moines, IA 50314, with a luncheon immediately following. The date and and time currently pending but will be announced at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Methodist Federation for Social Action, Iowa Chapter.
