Glendale Cemetery closed while crews begin clearing trees, storm debris

DES MOINES, Iowa — When an EF-1 tornado came through the Des Moines metro area it hit lots of homes, and also packed a punch at Glendale Cemetery. Many trees were snapped off and blown over onto gravestones. Most stones did not seem to have damage, but there are many trees and branches that need to be removed.

“So incredibly sad to see the aftermath of the storm. This is an historic cemetery of the city, well over 100-years-old,” said Ben Page, the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Director. “It’s got majestic trees, and if you talk to staff that’s been here 20+ years they have never seen a storm do this destruction of this property like this before.”

The cemetery is closed until cleanup can take place. Officials hope to have the cemetery re-opened on Thursday.

“We have a ton of cleanup to do and we would take all the volunteer help. However, don’t just show up,” said Page. “We have a volunteer registration on our website, if you want, go to DM parks.org and you go to the volunteer section, there’s a quick link to get you to sign up. We want to make sure we have plenty to do for you, but we will take as much help as possible.”

So far, some families have wanted to come by the cemetery to check the status of loved ones’ graves.

“It’s a total disaster, but it’s just sad,” said Page. “This is a place, the final resting place for a lot of people it’s supposed to be pristine. It’s supposed to be welcoming. It’s supposed to never see destruction like this, and here we are.”

Glendale Cemetery opened in 1904 and has over 100,000 people buried there.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.