Carl Donald Dexheimer

The world has lost a beloved father, husband, son, brother, and friend on Nov. 5, 2024 at 3:59 p.m., Carl Donald Dexheimer, passed away in West Des Moines, Iowa surrounded by his family. As a Vietnam Agent Orange victim, he suffered a massive stroke at the age of 50 and he has fought a long and courageous battle with Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. He has been freed of any pain in his Earthly body and now is in resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus.

Carl was the son of Donald Elbert Dexheimer and Marian Downey Dexheimer. He was born on January 25, 1946 in Charles City, Iowa. He graduated Charles City High School in 1964. He furthered his education by attending Mason City Junior College 1964-65; University of Iowa 1965-66; Columbus College, B.S., 1969-71; Georgia State University, M.B.A., 1971-72. During his scholarly years he was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity, Distributive Educational Clubs of America, Order of the Arrow, Columbus College Scholastic Honors Committee, and many other scholarly groups. He loved education, exploring the world, and sharing his love for discovery with everyone around him.

Carl became a decorated Army officer by graduating from the Army Officers Candidate School on Aug. 28, 1967 and was stationed at Fort Moore (Benning), Georgia. He obtained the officer rank of 1st Lieutenant while he served in combat during the Vietnam conflict. Carl has always been known for his sarcasm, sense of humor, and love of challenge. Due to his fear of heights… he joined the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles). He specialized in coordinating and executing battalion sized air assault operations behind enemy lines. Thankfully he overcame his fear of heights and obtained his expert parachute badge. Carl was a brave soldier that never left his men behind and always led them to safety. He was a God loving man who loved his country and the freedom that he fought so hard for. As a 22-year-old platoon leader of Company C, 2nd Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division of the 327th Infantry he received two silver stars in a 60-day period. While in the fields at Phi Bai, Army General Zaire presented Carl with two silver stars which is the third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. He was also awarded two bronze stars for heroic meritorious service in a combat zone. Within the same period of time, he also received a combat infantryman’s badge and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry. He returned home to his family and was honorably discharged on May 28, 1969.

Carl went on to have many successful careers including, the healthcare product industry, the Army, Land ‘O’ Lakes, FMR, and in agriculture. His many vocations took him to countries all over the world. For over 12 years, Carl and Sheryl owned and operated two locations of The Famous Dill Burger in the Des Moines area. After retiring, Carl and his wife frequently traveled and enjoyed all of the blessings that life brings.

Many who knew Carl, knew that he carried his heart on his sleeve and had always been deeply in love with his wife. On Feb. 25, 1968 his world forever changed when he married the love of his life, Sheryl Irene Norton Dexheimer, in Columbus, GA. Carl and Sheryl proceeded to have two beautiful daughters. Their oldest daughter, Shannah (Deane) Baldwin, of Waukee, IA, and grandchildren Megan (Nathan) Sanders, Dallas Center, IA, and Sgt. Jack Baldwin of Okinawa, Japan. Their youngest daughter is Amy (Mike) Aleksiejczyk, grandchildren Brianna Aleksiejczyk and Addison Aleksiejczyk of Davenport, IA.

Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sheryl Dexheimer, his parents, Donald and Marian Dexheimer, brother, Milton Dexheimer, and sister, Carolyn Sattari

Our family would also like to express our deepest heartfelt gratitude to the amazing staff at Good Samaritan, Indianola, IA, Unity Point IMMC, and EveryStep Hospice who have cared for our dad, held our family and became our lifeline during the most difficult times in our lives. Thank you for your kindness and unwavering dedication to our dad.

We will always cherish these go to phrases from this amazing soul; “Geeezzz”, “Ohhh, I love you” “Come on!”, “Yeah right!”, and “How far down the road would you be if I didn’t call you back?”

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 at the funeral home, burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Adel.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Wounded Warrior Project.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesCares.com

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.