Thomas R Temple

Thomas (Tom) R. Temple, age 74, passed away from Glioblastoma at Kavanagh House on August 14, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Tom was born on February 2, 1949 in Oak Park, IL. He was the son of Bertram and Betty Temple. Tom was raised in Joliet, IL. He received his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and his professional degrees in pharmacy from the University of Illinois and the University of Iowa. Tom and Cathy (Chrischilles) were married in Algona, IA in 1974.

Tom served on several state and national boards including: the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, the University of Iowa Alumni Association and the EveryStep Board for Hospice and Home Care Services. He also served on advisory boards for several pharmaceutical companies and colleges of pharmacy.

Tom’s leadership in the profession was recognized through his receipt of several state and national awards. Most notably he was the recipient of the highest awards from the Colleges of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa, Drake University and the University of Illinois.  At the national level, he received recognition for leadership, mentoring and lifetime contributions to the profession.

Tom was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, the Des Moines Golf and Country Club and the Des Moines Interchange Breakfast Club.

His personal passions included family, golf (especially at Des Moines Golf), Hawkeye athletics, traveling, great restaurants and fine wine. He cherished golf trips with his buddies and he felt blessed by the opportunity to participate in a Chicago Cubs Fantasy Camp in 2003.

Tom is survived by his bride of 48 years, Cathy; his children Brad (Ashley) and Eric (Lindsay); his grandchildren Tori and Leyton; his sister Donna (Dan) Hatzenbuhler and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Circle, Adel, IA. The family will greet friends and colleagues beginning at 1:00 with a short program starting at 2:00. We will continue the celebration following the program with cocktails and heavy hor d’oeuvres ending at 5:00. Please feel free to dress casually. Tom’s body will be cremated with dispersion of ashes at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following:
-The Tom Temple Leadership Center at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy c/o the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, Iowa City, IA.
-The Tom Temple Leadership Endowment c/o The Iowa Pharmacy Foundation, 8515 Douglas Ave., Suite 16, Des Moines, IA 50311
-EveryStep Kavanagh House, 900 56th St., Des Moines, IA 50312
-Or to any charity that is meaningful to you.

The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Tom Buroker and the wonderful and caring staff at Kavanagh House.