Service honors those who donate their body to science

The day set aside for honoring veterans is Memorial Day — next Monday — but another type of memorial service will be held this afternoon. Des Moines University is holding a service to remember the 81 people who donated their bodies to science during the past school year.Dr. Gerald Meetz is chair of the university’s Anatomy Department and directs the Body Donor Program. Meetz says the bodies are used by students in osteopathic medicine, podiatrics and physical therapy.Dr. Meetz says the students take the donation of bodies very seriously and know it’s not an issue to be taken lightly.He says today’s service at 1 p-m at the Merle Hay Funeral Home in Des Moines will provide closure for family members. For more information on becoming a donor, call (515) 271-1481..