Community members gathered in the Marina District on Saturday morning, Mar. 29, 2025 to celebrate two of Des Moines’ most beloved residents — Jack Kelsey and his late mother, Norma Kelsey — with the dedication of a commemorative bench in their honor.

Located at the corner of South 223rd Street and 7th Avenue South (map below), the new bench was unveiled alongside the official naming of Backstage Alley and the commemoration of Waterland Way, all part of a tribute recognizing the enduring impact of the Kelsey family on the city’s character and history.

Bettina Carey praised the Kelseys for their tireless contributions to the civic and cultural life of Des Moines.

“To know Jack is to know Des Moines,” Carey said in a Facebook post. “His presence in Des Moines is more than just familiar; it is foundational.”

Jack Kelsey, known for his warm demeanor and everyday acts of kindness, has long been a fixture of the community. His mother Norma, who passed away last year, was remembered as a passionate advocate for democracy, civil rights, and women’s rights, and a tireless supporter of her son.

Carey recounted her time spent with Norma, poring through boxes of mementos chronicling Jack’s life — filled with glowing praise from teachers, friends, and neighbors.

“Norma could talk for hours, one story after another,” Carey said, reflecting on the elder Kelsey’s dedication to social justice and her son’s legacy.

The bench, organizers said, is intended as more than just a place to rest. It represents the spirit of connection, reflection, and community engagement that both Jack and Norma embodied.

“A bench may seem like a simple gesture, but it holds profound meaning,” Carey added. “It represents a place to pause, to appreciate the beauty of our town, and to connect—just as Jack and Norma have always done.”

A favorite phrase of Norma’s echoed throughout the dedication:

“If you don’t know Jack, you don’t know Jack about Des Moines.”

We encourage all our readers to find the bench, take a seat, and get to “know Jack” about Des Moines.