R. John H. Badger Jr.

R. John H. Badger Jr., of Norwalk, Iowa died peacefully at his home on Monday, December 1, 2025, attended by his loving wife of 50 years, Cindia.   

John was born October 10, 1940, the son and youngest child of Robert J. H. “Doc” Badger Sr. and Dr. Mildred Badger, D.O., in the back room of their home in Montezuma, Iowa.  He graduated in 1958 from Montezuma High School, where he played multiple sports, played trumpet, and sang in choral music and school musicals. John earned a BS in Social Sciences from Iowa Wesleyan University in 1962 and soon began a lifelong career of teaching, starting with the Pella school system. In 1964 he moved to Des Moines to teach at Lincoln High School. In 1966 John earned an MS in History/Political Science from Drake University. While teaching full time, in 1968 John led the Lincoln High boys to win the school’s first-ever Class 4-A State Cross-Country Championship title, ending a 30-year run of domination by Des Moines Tech and Sioux City Central.  

In the late 60’s John transitioned from the classroom to the financial services industry, first with Prudential Insurance’s downtown Des Moines office.  In 1969 he became a licensed insurance agent and was a 30-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table.  In 1972, John started Financial Product Sales Co. so he could better assist his clients as an independent insurance agent.

On April 19, 1975, John was united in marriage with Cindia Clark at Immanuel United Methodist Church in Des Moines, surrounded by friends and family.  John and Cindia were very active members of the church, and their co-leadership of the senior high youth fellowship from 1979-1988 resulted in many life-long friendships.  At various times, John was also a Lay Speaker and served in multiple church committee leadership roles.  

Seven years later John founded Chartered Financial Services (CFS) in West Des Moines as the first state-registered Registered Investment Advisor firm in Iowa.  During his career, John earned and maintained professional designations of CLU, ChFC, CFP, CFS and RFC while continually teaching the finer points of financial, retirement and legacy planning as he helped guide countless clients toward the achievement of their financial goals.  John regularly lectured for Iowa Life Insurance Continuing Education, served as President of the Des Moines Association of Life Underwriters and as Program Chair for the Des Moines CLU Chapter.  John retired and sold his firm at the end of 2020. 

Throughout his life, John was a strong believer in community service and education.  The list of chairmanships and boards John served are too numerous to list, but highlights included serving as a Cub Scouts Pack (81) and Boy Scouts Troop (58) Leader, Board Chair of Sertoma Club of Des Moines, various leadership roles with Polk County Health Services, including terms as Chair of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and President of the Iowa Wesleyan Alumni Association.

In addition to his work and service to others, John was a loving and devoted husband to Cindia and father to his sons Alec and Jason.   John’s love of the outdoors, gardening, hiking, canoeing and a love of vocal and instrumental music overlaid with the activities that he encouraged for his boys in the Cub and Boy Scouts, as well as through church activities during their youth which allowed him to spend quality time with them while modeling the servant leadership he believed in so strongly.   Whether at a swim meet, a musical or an opera, playing cribbage, holding a newborn grandchild (or showing them how to swing a golf club), helping put in a garden or assisting with home maintenance, or watching another Iowa State nail-biter together – the pride and love John had for his sons and their families was limitless. 

After becoming empty nesters, John’s love of golf and the red wines of Napa were fulfilled as he and Cindia made regular trips to Napa in the Fall to discover and sample lesser-known vintners, and to Tucson, Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona in the worst part of Iowa winters.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Juanita Lovick and Roberta Linn. He is survived by his devoted wife Cindia, their sons Alec (Kristine) and Jason (Tara); and four grandchildren Sarah Badger, James Badger, Emily Badger and Tessa Badger; many other relatives and innumerable friends.

The family will receive friends and family to celebrate John's life from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. 

In lieu of flowers/plants, the family requests making a donation to the charity of your choice.