Hufford, Timothy “Tim” L. - 1948-2012

ANDERSON, GUTKNECHT, HUFFORD, WILKES

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/25/2024 at 09:46:32

Thunder rolled and the gates of heaven opened up for our hero, Timothy L. Hufford. On Sunday, February 19, 2012, he went to be with his Savior after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Tim (63) was born on May 1, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa. Tim grew up in West Des Moines and graduated in 1966 from Valley High School. He went on to attend and graduate from Iowa State University in 1970 where he became the biggest Cyclone fan around.
At age 16, Tim fell in love at first sight with his beautiful wife Linda (Wilkes) Hufford. They married and began their life together on May 31, 1969. They enjoyed their time traveling, raising a family, and being with friends.
Tim owned, loved and was dedicated to his family's business, O'Callaghan's, for over 45 years. His strong work ethic and his love for people are what drove the business to be successful. Throughout the years he was blessed to be fully immersed in the business with his family (sister, brother, dad, mom, son, daughter, and nieces); he would not have wanted it any other way.
Tim's second family became a part of his life in 1970 when he joined the West Des Moines Fire Department. He spent many years receiving special certifications, including underwater rescue. This passion became a way of life for Tim. Little did he know that the firefighters would become his lifelong friends. Tim retired in 1997 as a proud City of WDM Battalion Chief.
Wells Fargo was Tim's final place of employment. It was no surprise that he was quickly called, "Uncle Tim" by his co-workers, who all held a special place in his heart. Over the years Tim was active in the Reciprocity Club of Des Moines; MTA Board of Directors; Firefighters Association; West Des Moines Christian Church; Olivet Baptist Church; and Lutheran Church of Hope. Tim enjoyed many fishing trips, watching Iowa State football and basketball and most importantly spending his time with his grandchildren.
Tim will be missed by his wife of 43 years, Lin; daughter, Nicki (Kevin) Gutknecht and their children, Mady and Lexie; son, Brandon (Jody) Hufford and their children, Taylor and Brady; mother-in-law (second mom), Dee Wilkes; siblings, Joni (Jim) Anderson, Gail (Bill) Anderson, Mark (Jodi) Hufford; brother-in-law, Danny Wilkes; nieces and nephews, Kim, Holly, Drew, Eric, Samantha, Bailey, and Alex; and many, many friends. Greeting him at the gates of heaven are his parents, Gale and Grace Hufford.
The family would like to thank Dr. Behrens, Dr. Ihrig, and the staff at Taylor House Hospice for helping with dad's journey into eternal life.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, at Iles Funeral Homes-Westover Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 24, at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be made to the West Des Moines Firefighters Benevolent or Association Funds. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.
The sidelines will never be the same without Papa in his red chair cheering on his grandkids. May his legacy live on forever through them...
Published In Des Moines (IA) Register; Friday, February 24, 2012, Page 5B