Joseph T. Celsi, 84, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025 after a long and courageous journey with illness, surrounded by the comfort of family and home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church. Graveside services will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or to the Scott County Humane Society, causes close to Joe’s heart.

Joe was born on February 18, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Josephine (Scigliano) Celsi. He graduated from Drake University, earning a degree in accounting that would serve as the foundation of a long and successful career.

On a blind date that would change his life forever, Joe met Carol Lynn Moon. Their love story began simply and grew deeply, leading to their marriage on May 5, 1962, in Des Moines. Together, they shared more than six decades of devotion, partnership, and family life.

Joe was the owner and operator of Select Improvement Company in Bettendorf for many years, retiring after a career marked by hard work, integrity, and pride in a job well done. Earlier in his professional life, he worked as a C.P.A. for A.G. Keisling & Associates in Des Moines.

Faith was a guiding presence in Joe’s life. He was a longtime and devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, a member of the Community of Saint Joseph and the Prophet Elijah, O.C.D.S., and a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Des Moines.

Outside of work and faith, Joe found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid golfer, had a lifelong passion for cars—especially his cherished Corvette—and deeply loved the companionship of his beloved dogs.

Those who will forever cherish his memory include his loving wife, Carol; his children, Joseph Celsi, Mary Celsi (Michael) Smith and Ann Marie Celsi, all of Bettendorf; his grandchildren, Tiffany, Danielle, Josephine, Ty (his “Special Buddy”), Carmela, Travis and Kathryn; and his great-grandchildren, Tana and Tripp.

Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna and Tillie; and his brothers, Charles and John.

Joe will be remembered for his quiet strength, deep faith, generous heart, and the love he shared with his family.