Deacon Cohort Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

by Diocese of Des Moines | September 22, 2026

By Ann Pierson

When seven men were ordained to the permanent diaconate on October 4, 1986, expectations of what exactly a deacon did were still uncertain. They were only the second community ordained in the Diocese. As time went on, their vocations not only provided invaluable ministry to their parishes, but these deacons also introduced to their parishioners to who deacons are and what they do.

The men part of the 1986 community are David Bartemes, Joe Coan, Fred Cornwell, Earl Evans, Joseph Huynh, Chris Rohwer, and Ly Pao Yang.

Deacons Coan and Cornwell shared memories from their four decades of service to the Church.

Joe Coan

At almost 100, Deacon Coan, retired from St. Augustin in Des Moines, looks back on his journey with gratitude.

He first became interested in the diaconate when his family, then living in Virginia, helped their local priest deliver coal to their neighbors. His pastor asked if he ever considered becoming a deacon, which placed the vocation in his mind. When he moved to Des Moines, another priest asked him, and he entered formation.

Throughout his ministry, Deacon Coan has helped with multiple ministries, including those in abusive situations to find shelter, St. Vincent de Paul society, and visited jails. He still leads weekly rosaries and communion services at his assisted living facility.

In 2017, Deacon Coan was attacked at the adoration chapel on his way to bring communion to a senior facility. Through the pain and recovery, he found a new urge to serve, even with the experience never leaving his mind.

“The feeling never left me, but I never feared it,” he said.

His advice to those considering the diaconate? Pray and discern seriously what is being asked.

“It’s a big sacrifice… to put time into formation, it’s really structured but it’s worthwhile,” Deacon Coan said. “It’s been an enjoyable time.”

Fred Cornwell

Deacon Cornwell, recently retired from St. Luke the Evangelist in Ankeny, remembers hearing the Lord calling him to the diaconate in 1982.

“I was out in the front yard, digging dandelions by hand, and I [thought] ‘Why are you not working in my Church?’” he said. “That thought was not from my thoughts at all.”

He discussed the calling with his pastor,who gave him a number to call. The priest who answered didn’t believe the diaconate was a good fit for Deacon Cornwell.

Believing him, a year passed, and as Deacon Cornwell grew more invested in the Church, the call returned one evening when he read the word “deacon” in his Bible. Calling the number a second time, the priest set up a time to meet with him.

Over 40 years, he has served in several different parishes across the Diocese, finishing at St. Luke. Wearing many hats, one of his favorite roles was serving as director of parish life and being there during people’s highest and lowest moments.

Deacon Cornwell is grateful for his vocation, even with its challenges. He recalls how God, and others in his life, prepared him.

“God prepares you,” he said. “He doesn’t call someone to something they’re not prepared for. When you think back, you see he was there all along.”