Fontanini, Sarg – 1915-2011

FONTANINI, MORLAN, TOMLINSON, TROWER

Posted By: Polk volunteer
Date: 7/26/2024 at 10:37:43

Sarg Fontanini, 96, passed away Saturday December 31, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday January 5, 2012 at Christ the King Catholic Church where he was a charter member. A burial service will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at Christ the King Catholic Church with a vigil service at 5:30 p.m.
Sarg was born September 8, 1915, in the province of Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy. He later came to Iowa as a young child with his family. Sarg was a proud Army veteran of WWII serving in Europe and the Aleutian Islands. His career spanned many years in the food brokerage business retiring in 1980 from Seavey and Florsheim.
Sarg was a well known amateur golfer who began playing at the age of 13 and he continued to enjoy playing until this past summer. Sarg had many accomplishments on the golf course including nine holes-in-one. He won many titles including four Des Moines Men's City Championships, two Herman Sani Open titles and a title at the Northwest Amateur. In 1956 he made it to the quarter finals of the US Amateur Championship, which qualified him for a spot in the 1957 Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. In 1995, he was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame. He could often be seen at some of his favorite places including Blank Golf Course, Willow Creek Golf Course, Southridge Mall, The South Side Senior Center and dancing at Francie's on Saturday nights
Sarg had a passion for life which he lived to the fullest. He will always be remembered for his love of family, dancing and golf. Sarg was proceeded in death by his wife of 62 years, Bernice. He is survived by his children, Debbie and Bob Morlan, Denise and Jim Trower, Greg and Suzie Fontanini, Fr. Chris Fontanini and John Paul Fontanini; grandchildren, Brian and Michael Morlan, Jennifer, Heather, Jim and Rick Trower, Gina and Anna Fontanini; and great-grandchildren, Taylor and Hannah Tomlinson.
In keeping with his charitable heart, contributions may be made to the Sarg Fontanini Lincoln High School Scholarship Fund or Christ the King Catholic Church.
Published In Des Moines (IA) Register; Tuesday, January 3, 2012, Page 10B