Curtis “Lee” McIntosh of Norwalk, formerly of Keosauqua passed away at his home in Norwalk on Sunday February 15, 2026. In accordance with his wishes his body has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 1:00PM at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua with Larry Shipley officiating. The family will be present to greet friends for visitation until 3:00PM at the funeral home following the service. Memorials in Lee’s honor to the Hotel Manning Preservation Group may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 724 Hickory Drive, Norwalk, IA 50211. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Lee was born on January 29, 1952 in Keosauqua to John C. and Bertha C. March McIntosh. Lee grew up on the family farm southeast of Keosauqua. He graduated from Van Buren High School in 1970 and from Southeastern Community College in Keokuk in 1972 with an A.A. Degree. He moved to town in Keosauqua when he married Dawn Meyers in 1983, they later divorced in 1994. From this union they had a son, Carson. The family later returned to live on the family farm where Lee remained until 2017. Lee moved back to town in 2017. His final move was to Norwalk, IA in 2021 to be close to Carson’s family.
Lee played football (center), basketball, and baseball (pitcher and catcher) in high school. He loved playing baseball with Carson and sharing his knowledge. Lee farmed the family farm in the early 1980’s. In 1983 he started working for the Iowa Department of Transportation until he retired. He served 9 years as a Reserve Deputy with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office until he moved to Norwalk. Lee also painted alongside his father and sometimes solo, along with some carpentry work.
Lee spent his last 5 years enriching the lives of whomever he met in Norwalk with simply his smile and kind nature. His best attribute was his dedication to his son, Carson, and his family. Lee made sure he rarely missed an event that involved either of his grandchildren. He became named “Grandpa Overalls” at his granddaughters sporting events. His presence was important to the sporting community.
Lee loved to be assigned chores to help Carson. He was always asking, “Have any jobs for me today?”. There are memories attached to Lee all around his son’s home. He helped build the fence in the back yard and he assisted in building two small sheds, along with the retaining wall in the front yard. With his experience painting, he beautifully painted their newly finished basement and back deck. He loved to help break down cardboard in the most perfect fashion. He checked weekly to get his assignment of “doggy chores” for his four-legged fan club. Most importantly, he always made sure he stopped by for time with his grandchildren and hugs for all.
Even after moving to Norwalk, Lee made tremendous efforts to support Van Buren County and everyone he knew and loved. He made frequent trips to see friends and family. Lee was a member of Center Chapel Church in Keosauqua. He served on the Van Buren County Hospital Board of Directors, the Van Buren Community School Board, was a Founding Investor in the Hotel Manning Preservation Group (HMPG) and played softball with the Mt. Sterling Softball Team.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Carson Lee McIntosh (Stephanie), Norwalk, his two sisters, Marsha A. Clark (Donald), Iowa City and Judith K. Harshman (Jerry), Ottumwa, and his two grandchildren, Sullivan Michael McIntosh and Skylee Ann Smith of Norwalk. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha McIntosh and brother-in-law John Brickey.
