Shantilal Vaikunthlal Bhatt

Shantilal Vaikunthlal Bhatt was born on November 13, 1938, in Gujarat, India. He passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at his home in Ankeny, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Shantilal was a kind, calm, and gentle soul. He never sought to interfere with or burden others and was known for his quiet strength and peaceful nature. He was the perfect complement to his wife, Urmila, whose outgoing and social personality balanced his own gentle demeanor.

He spent the first 50 years of his life in Bharuch, Gujarat. At the age of 50, he immigrated to the United States at the invitation of his brother-in-law, Surendra Vaidya, in support of his son's dream of building a life in America. Over the next 37 years, he made his home in Lowell and Dracut, Massachusetts, before moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 2003 to help raise his grandchildren. He later settled in Ankeny, Iowa.

Shantilal found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved taking long walks around town, riding the city bus, and spending quiet hours at the local library. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, following politics, watching Bollywood films, and keeping up with Indian television programs.

In his later years, he spent significant time in India, where he continued his daily walks and often found peace sitting along the riverbank in quiet reflection. He also generously supported charitable causes in India, reflecting his lifelong spirit of humility and compassion.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Urmila Bhatt; his sons, Dharmesh (Dipika) Bhatt and Paresh (Dipa) Bhatt; his grandchildren, Omkar (Vidhi) Bhatt, Ravi (Natasha) Bhatt, and Shivani Bhatt; his younger brother, Madhusudan Bhatt; and a large and loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaikunthlal and Godavariben, and his sisters, Pushpaben and Charuben.

A cremation service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA. For family and friends in India, the service will begin at 1:30 a.m. IST on Thursday, July 30. Those unable to attend may participate via the livestream: Celebration of Life for Shantilal Bhatt on Vimeo. A recording of the service will also be available shortly afterward.

Shantilal lived a long, meaningful, and fulfilling life. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and quiet devotion to those he loved.

Jai Shree Krishna, Om Namah Shivay.