John David “Big John” Nardini, 81, of Des Moines passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 12, 2025, following a two-year battle with cancer. He had a strong faith in Christ and was secure in his salvation.
He was born Nov. 26, 1943 in Lawrence, Kan. to Hazel E. (Minear) and Arthur Joseph “Tudo” Nardini.
He graduated from Davis County High School in Bloomfield in 1961, received his Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1966 from Parson’s College in Fairfield, and his Master of Arts in Educational Administration in 1974 from Western Illinois University.
He married Sandra Arnold and they were blessed with a son, John David “Little John” Nardini, II. He married Marianne Gideon on New Year’s Eve 2021 and they resided at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines until his death.
John was employed as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, and then began a 29-year career as a mass transit director in Iowa and other states.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting quail and pheasants with his father and brothers. John also enjoyed the companionship and love of his pets.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James; his sister, Verine Jo “Jodi;” and his first wife. He is survived by his wife; his brother, Jay (Candy) of Waterloo; his son, John (Jill) of Cary, N.C.; and grandchildren, Joseph “Joey” Nardini of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Jessica (Drake) Nardini of Cary, N.C.
John’s wish was to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. For those wishing, memorials may be directed to Animal Rescue League of Iowa or your local animal shelter.
