DES MOINES, IOWA (October 14, 2025) — Earlier today, Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff and remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, October 25, 2025, honoring Iowa Senator Claire Celsi on the day a ceremony will be held to celebrate her life.
“Claire was an impassioned voice for Central Iowa constituents and advocated on their behalf for several years in the State House. Even while privately battling illness, Claire made it a point to return to her post during this year’s legislative session and stand for her beliefs. Our family is praying for Claire’s loved ones at this time,” Gov Reynolds said.
Celsi was elected to three terms in the Iowa Senate, representing Central Iowans in the greater Des Moines metro area. She was a ranking member of the Government Oversight Committee and also served on the Health and Human Services, Natural Resources, and Environment, State Government, and Transportation standing committees, and the Administration and Regulation Appropriations subcommittee. A Des Moines area native, she graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Drake University.
In September 2025, Celsi’s family announced she had entered hospice care. She passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Flags were flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags were also at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.
Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions were encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
