John Pappajohn, one of the most consequential venture capitalists and philanthropists in the history of Des Moines and Iowa, has died at age 94 at his vacation home in Naples, Florida.
Pappajohn at one time was counted among the world’s leading art collectors, and his name is perhaps most associated with the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. He and his wife, who died last year, created the expansive installation from 2007 to 2009 at a cost of up to $30 million, transforming downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway with what is considered one of the most remarkable collections of its kind.
More:How the Pappajohns joined world’s top art collectors
Among other major gifts, he also gave millions of dollars to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, founded the John and Mary Pappajohn Higher Education Center in Des Moines in 1997 and bankrolled entrepreneurial centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa and North Iowa Area Community College.
