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Dorothy Marie Claeys
April 13, 1924 - December 03, 2006
Victor, Iowa
Visitation: 4 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday December 05, 2006 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Victor
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday December 06, 2006 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Victor.
Interment: , at Calvary Cemetery in Victor.
Dorothy was born on April 13, 1924, near Brooklyn, Iowa, to Remi and Mary LaKose Wauters. She was raised on the family farm near Brooklyn and attended rural school. Dorothy enjoyed her grandchildren and family reunions, gardening, needlework, fishing, making noodles, angel food cake and clown dolls. On January 2, 1945, she was married to August Claeys in Brooklyn, Iowa. The couple farmed for 35 years southwest of Victor and moved into Victor in 1980. She was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society of the church, and the Victor American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include her children and their spouses, Betty Jo and John Steele of Cedar Rapids, Dennis and Jane Claeys of Victor, David and Linda Claeys of Victor, Mary and Bernie Vittetoe of Keota and Rick and Carole Claeys of Keystone; 13 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one sister, Margaret DeGeeter of Brooklyn. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one granddaughter, Brooke Claeys; and one brother, Achiel Wauters.
Memorials may be directed to St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Victor and sent in care of Dennis Claeys, 3856 Highway 21, Victor, Iowa.
Elmer "Lucky" Huff
July 18, 1934 - December 03, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Memorial Service: 11 a.m., Friday December 08, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Visitation: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Friday, December , 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Interment: 12 noon, Friday December 08, 2006 at Rock Creek Cemetery west of Grinnell
Elmer was born the son of Victor and Marjorie Elliott Huff on July 18, 1934, in Akron, Colorado. He grew up in Akron before moving to Grinnell, Iowa. He was a graduate with the Grinnell High School Class of 1952.
He moved to southern California following his education, where he lived there for five years and worked at various masonry jobs. He and his friends enjoyed motorcycling to old deserted mining towns while living in southern California. Elmer then moved back to Grinnell and began the Huff Construction Company, which he owned and operated for over twenty years. He was a hard-worker who used his hands to construct some of the larger brick buildings in Grinnell built during his time.
Elmer held an unconditional love for his family. He was an outdoorsman, who enjoyed camping at Diamond Lake, hunting deer and elk, and fishing for bass and catfish. He spent many Friday evenings playing pepper with his good friends at Game Time. After his retirement, he enjoyed fishing and taking care of Light’s pond.
Elmer is survived by his children, Eddie Huff of California, Jessie Durham and her husband Scott of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Eliot Huff and his fiancé Stacie of Grinnell; four grandchildren; his brother Donald (Janice) Huff of New Mexico; a sister-in-law, Judy Huff, of Grinnell; and a close uncle Kenneth Elliott of Grinnell. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jack Huff.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Elmer "Lucky" Huff Memorial Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home.
Bill Walter
April 12, 1943 - December 06, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 12 noon to 6 p.m., Sunday, with the family present from 2 - 5 p.m. December 10, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Monday December 11, 2006 at Grinnell Christian Church
Bill was born April 12, 1943, in Castalia, Iowa to Karl and Minerva Walter. He spent his earliest years in Postville, Iowa, where he attended Postville public schools through the 8th grade. He moved to Decorah and attended Decorah High School, where he met his future wife Carolyn Tieskotter, also of Decorah. They graduated together with the Decorah High School Class of 1961.
Bill and Carolyn were married in 1964 while Bill was attending the University of Iowa, majoring in business and instrumental music. He was a proud member of the University of Iowa marching and symphony band, where he played the tuba. After leaving Iowa City in 1974, Bill became a sales representative for Jockey International and was located in Warron, Ohio and later Omaha, Nebraska. In 1978, Bill moved to Grinnell and opened a men’s clothing store, Bill’s Red Hanger. While in business, Bill became an expert in tux rental and tailoring. He later opened Bill’s Tailor Shop.
To Bill, everyday was a gift; an opportunity to make someone’s life better in any way. He enjoyed friends, woodworking, golf, and all kinds of music. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Twelve years ago, Bill had the opportunity to experience the shores of North Carolina and fell in love with the area. Since then, he and his family have made the beach their yearly vacation spot, making many joyous memories along the way.
Bill is survived by his wife Carolyn of Grinnell; his two daughters, Traci Walter of Grinnell and Kelli (Darrin) Day of Davenport, Iowa; 3 granddaughters; his sister Maureen Lein of Fairfield, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Wayne Walter.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grinnell High School Music Department and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home.
Bonnie Lillian Perry
May 19, 1909 - December 05, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday December 08, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 10 am, Saturday December 09, 2006 at United Church of Christ-Congregational
Interment: 2:30 pm, Saturday December 09, 2006 at Prairie Rose Cemetery, Corning, Iowa
Bonnie was born on May 19, 1909 in Lewis, Iowa, to Charles Elmer and Louise Amelia Marie Guske Bailey. The family lived from 1912 to 1918 near Wakaw, Saskatchewan, Canada and returned to Iowa to farm near the communities of Atlantic, Lewis and Adel. She attended rural schools and public schools in Atlantic and Lewis. She graduated with the Class of 1929 from Van Meter High School. She studied for two years at the Iowa National Bible Training School in Des Moines before transferring to Simpson College in Indianola, where she received her BS degree in Home Economics in 1933. Following her education she taught school and became a Dietician at the Iowa National Esther Hall in Des Moines. In January 1939, she enrolled in the Biblical Seminary in New York City and completed three semesters of study in Religious Education. On May 21, 1939, she was married to Homer Perry at the Biblical Seminary in New York City. In August of 1940 the couple moved to Sloan, Iowa and during World War II, while her husband served as a chaplain with the U.S. Army, she lived in Adel, Atlantic and Halfway, Oregon. The family lived in Marion, Newburg, Madrid, Wilton Junction, Mapleton and Schaller, where Homer served in churches and she was active in the 4_H, Camp Fire Girls, youth programs at her churches and later the church camping programs of the United Church of Christ of the Iowa Conference. Throughout her married life Bonnie has always worked closely with her husband in the various tasks of the church, as well as faithfully fulfilling the tasks of housewife and mother in their home. The couple retired in November of 1987 and moved to the Mayflower Homes in Grinnell. She was a member of the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Grinnell. Survivors include her husband, Homer Perry of Grinnell; two daughters, Dorothy (Frank) Blazek of Pueblo, Colorado and Sylvia (Paul) Hain of Lone Tree; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one brother, Harold Bailey of Adel. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Ronald Bailey; and two sisters, Iva England and Bernice Bailey.
Memorials may be directed to the Mayflower Homes Human Needs Fund or to the United Church of Christ-Congregational in Grinnell and sent in care of Homer Perry, 616 Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.
Perry Donald Schold
May 02, 1953 - December 03, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Wednesday December 13, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Perry D. Schold, 53, of Grinnell died December 3, 2006, at his home. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 13, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Rev. John Epperson, pastor of the Grinnell Christian Church, officiating. Pianist will be Rev. Jim Turner. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Perry D. Schold Memorial Fund. The son of Richard Donald Schold and Jane Unger Flowers, he was born May 2, 1953, in Glendale, California. He was raised in San Diego and attended Madison High School there. He was a veteran of the United States Army. After serving in the Army, he was employed for several electronic businesses including Elgar Electronics in the San Diego area. He moved to Grinnell in 1982 and was employed at Varsity Newsstand for five years and later worked at various other jobs. Most recently, he helped with the transportation of friends and fellow Station Clubhouse members to their appointments and errands. On May 5, 2005, he was married to Dorothy E. Sugden, in Grinnell. Perry was a member of the Grinnell Christian Church, where he was baptized. He was also a member of the Station Clubhouse since it’s inception in 1990. He was a former member of the United Methodist Church and the Eagles Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy of Grinnell; his mother and step-father, Jane and James Flowers of Camp Verde, Arizona; two brothers, Mike Schold of San Diego and Dale Schold of Camp Verde; and two sisters, Wendy Acosia of San Diego and Tamra Scanlan of Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Richard and Gloria Schold and his grandparents.
Fredrick Lee Richardson, Jr.
February 16, 1964 - December 06, 2006
Rock Creek Lake
Visitation: 9:00 to 11:00 Saturday December 09, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 09, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Interment: following the funeral service December 09, 2006 at Rock Creek Liberty Cemetery west of Grinnell
Fred L. “Shorty” Richardson, Jr., 42, of Rock Creek Lake, near Kellogg died December 6, 2006, at his home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 9, 2006, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, with Rev. Susan Leathem, Grinnell Regional Hospice Chaplain, officiating. Pallbearers are Joe Baiter, Todd Brown, Jerry Counce, Terry Dyche, Howard Jones and Mark Richardson. Honorary bearers are Thomas Richardson and Kevin Thorn. Burial will be in Rock Creek Liberty Cemetery, rural Jasper County. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fred L. Richardson Memorial Fund. The son of Fred Richardson and Nancy Dyche, Fred was born February 16, 1964, in Iowa City. He was raised in Viola, Illinois and attended Winola High School in Viola. He lived in several communities in Illinois and was employed as a truck driver. He moved to Marshalltown in 1990 and for several years worked as a maintenance worker at Monfort Meat Packing House. Fred later moved to Grinnell in 1995 and then to Rock Creek Lake in 2003. He drove a truck over the road and also for several construction companies. Most recently, he drove for Amholf Trucking. On June 30, 1999, he was married to Patricia A. Baiter in Grinnell, after sharing their lives together for 11 loving years. Fred's life was centered on his family. He loved and cared for them dearly. There were "never enough hours in a day" to play with his grandchildren. He was very compassionate, loving and patient. He was always happy and was well loved in the community. He loved the lake, fishing and boating. He enjoyed cooking on the grill and making spaghetti for his family and friends. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and was an avid fan of Jeff Gordon and car 24. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will be remembered fondly for his laughter and sense of humor. Survivors include his wife, Pat of Rock Creek Lake; his father, Fred (Sandy) of Viola, Illinois; his mother, Nancy of Ft. Bragg, California; one daughter, Jennifer Richardson of Davenport; one son, Fred Huber of Dallas, Texas; two step-sons, Todd (Traci) Pearse of Kane, Illinois and Tyler Watson of Rock Creek Lake; one sister, Kelly Richardson of Ft. Bragg, California; four grandchildren Jazmen Cook, Dustin, Destiny, and Chasity Huber; three step-grandchildren Sabisten, Donavon and Nolan Pearse; his mother-in-law, Delores Baiter of Grinnell; a brother-in-law, Joe Baiter of Grinnell; and a sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Jerry Counce of Chicago . He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one step-son, Louie Pearse.
Ed Brand
October 05, 1926 - December 08, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 12 noon to 8 p.m., Monday, with the family present from 6 - 8 p.m. December 11, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 1:30 p.m., Tuesday December 12, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Interment: 2:30 p.m., Tuesday December 12, 2006 at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell
Ed was born on October 5, 1926, to Jacob and Florence Sesser Brand in Lynnville, Iowa. He was raised in Lynnville and graduated from Lynnville High School with the Class of 1944. Following his education he began farming with parents on the family farm near Lynnville. He was united in marriage to Betty Buhr on January 5, 1950, in Iowa City, Iowa. The couple both worked at Midwest Manufacturing in Kellogg and Ed was employed there for over thirty years. He then worked in the maintenance department at Grinnell College and retired in 1992. The couple enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. He would travel to Canada and Minnesota every year to fish with his close friends. He spent countless hours playing cards with his family members and friends. Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church in Grinnell and the Oddfellows, Masons, and Shriners fraternal organizations. He served on the Grinnell City Council for several years. He assisted various organizations with his expertise in sign language. Ed is survived by his nieces and nephews, Margaret Hale of Grinnell, Tony Hale of Des Moines, Marcia Jackson of Peoria, Arizona, Sheri Wilkenson of Prosser, Washington, Steven Pierce of Roseburg, Oregon, Rodney Pierce of Redmond, Washington, Jon Pierce of Citrus Heights, California, Curtis Pierce of Phoenix, Arizona, and Jody Pierce of Arlington, Arizona. Ed passed away Friday, December 8, 2006, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. He was eighty years of age and was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty on March 21, 2004; and his sister Dorothy Pierce on April 1, 2006.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Baptist Church and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home.
Maxine R. Martinson
November 13, 1922 - December 09, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2006 at Grinnell United Methodist Church
Visitation: 4 pm to 8 p.m., Monday, with the family present from 6 - 8 p.m. December 11, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Interment: At a later date , at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell
Maxine was born on November 13, 1922, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Paul and Dorothy Jacobson Onthank. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1940. On April 4, 1946, she was married to Gene Martinson in Grinnell. The couple were the parents of two children, Michael and Kathy. She worked for General Telephone Company and in the early 1960’s began a long career as an administrative assistant at Grinnell College. She was very proud of her children and took an active interest in their lives. The Martinson home was always open to their children’s friends, who spent endless hours enjoying hospitality with pop, ice cream and candy. The life of Maxine, “Rosie” to those who knew her, was largely about family, friends and neighbors. She developed many close friendships in Grinnell, where she lived her entire life. In retirement, she established many new friendships on trips to visit her children and in Dorchester, IA, where she and Gene spent a great deal of time camping and fishing. For over 40 years the family hosted a Christmas Eve gathering for friends and family. Maxine enjoyed socializing but her other passion was shopping. Maxine enjoyed endless trips to area malls with her friends and their daughters. She was a snappy dresser and enjoyed decorating her home. Maxine is survived by her husband, Gene Martinson at the Mayflower Home in Grinnell; two children, Michael Martinson of Arlington, VA and Kathy Martinson of Austin, TX; and many friends. Maxine died on Saturday, December 9, 2006, at the Mayflower Homes Health Care Center. She was 84 years of age, and she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Marion Onthank.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Stewart Library Building Fund and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.
Delbert Crawford
December 01, 1937 - December 10, 2006
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday December 13, 2006 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday December 14, 2006 at Grinnell Christian Church
Interment: , at Hazelwood Cemetery
Delbert was born on December 1, 1937, in Grinnell, Iowa, to John and Roxie Anderson Crawford. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell schools. On May 21, 1955, he was united in marriage to Rachel Innis in Grinnell. The couple lived in Grinnell and he worked for 37 years as a machinist at the Maytag Company in Newton. He retired in 1992 and worked part-time for DeLong’s Sportswear Company in Grinnell. Delbert enjoyed camping, fishing, attending country music shows in the Ozarks and attending school and sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan too. Survivors include his wife, Rachel Crawford of Grinnell; one daughter, Diane Dillon of Searsboro; three sons, Delbert Crawford and David Crawford, both of Grinnell, and Brian Crawford of Lynnville; seven grandchildren; and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Max Crawford; and one sister, Neita Banta.
Memorials may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice.
Pauline Irene Sieck
October 28, 1940 - April 06, 2007
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: one hour prior to service April 10, 2007 at Smith Funeral Home, Grinnell
Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 10, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Poweshiek County
Interment: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 10, 2007 at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Poweshiek County
Pauline I. Sieck, 66, of Grinnell, died April 6, 2007, at Friendship Manor in Grinnell. A graveside service and burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Grinnell, with the Rev. Del Dawes, retired of Grinnell, officiating. Pallbearers will be Dale Reitzler, Greg Risbeck, Craig, Gary, Glen and Scott Sieck. Visitation with the family present will be held one hour prior to the service at the Smith Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grinnell Regional Hospice. The daughter of Alva and Gladys McDonald, she was born October 28, 1940, in Iowa Falls. She was raised in Iowa Falls and Grinnell and was a 1960 graduate of Grinnell High School. While in high school she was employed as a nurse’s aid at St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell. On July 27, 1963, she was married to Melvin Louis Sieck, in Kellogg. The couple lived in Grinnell where she was a homemaker and raised her family. She began working for the Grinnell-Newburg School District as a bus driver in 1978 and retired 20 years later in 1998. She then attended Marshalltown Community College to study medical transcription. She had been a resident of Friendship Manor since February 27, 2007. Survivors include her husband, Melvin of Grinnell; two sons, Randy (Tammy) of Ireton, Iowa and Rodney (Kim) of Grinnell; two stepdaughters, Karen (Dale) Reitzler of Polo, Missouri and Diana (Greg) Risbeck of Chariton; three brothers, Wendell McDonald of Grinnell and Bill and LaVern McDonald; 12 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Alice Mowery and Margaret Bunn.
Marie Healy
October 10, 1908 - April 07, 2007
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 12 noon to 7 pm on Wednesday April 11, 2007 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, Iowa
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday April 12, 2007 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grinnell, Iowa
Interment: , at Hazelwood Cemetery
Marie was born on October 10, 1908, in Victor, Iowa to James and Carrie Hart McCann. When Marie was five years old, the family moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where she was raised and graduated from Grinnell High School. She attended the Gem Business College in Quincy, Illinois and later worked as a bookkeeper in various businesses in Grinnell. Later she moved to Cedar Rapids, where she was a bookkeeper and office manager for the Iowa Steel and Iron Works and met her future husband, J.F. (Frank) Healy, a Cedar Rapids attorney. The couple married on June 10, 1943, at Wright-Patterson Air Field base chapel. During his career, Frank achieved the rank of full colonel. His Air Force duty took the couple to Dayton, Ohio, New York City, Honolulu, San Antonio, Washington DC and twice to Japan. She worked in a variety of jobs which included an accounts manager for a department store in Dayton, an account manager of Non-Appropriated Funds for Air Force clubs, a Red Cross Gray Lady and assisting Japanese high school students in studying conversational English. She and Colonel Healy lived in Fair Oaks, California (a Sacramento suburb) for 27 years prior to her return to Grinnell. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Grinnell. She enjoyed traveling to Japan, the Philippines and Hong Kong, reading and crafts. It was mentioned of her ancestors that each was “true to his or her faith.” This was clearly true for Marie. Survivors include her sister, Margaret McCann of Grinnell; and two nephews, Chris McCann of Mequon, Wisconsin and Tom McCann of Cedar Rapids. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and four brothers, James, John and Michael McCann and an infant brother.
Marie requested that memorials in her name may be directed to St. Mary's Parish Foundation and sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.
H. Elmo Tomlinson
October 03, 1916 - April 09, 2007
Gilman, Iowa
Visitation: 12 noon - 8 p.m., with the family present to greet friends from 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday April 11, 2007 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Gilman Methodist Church
Interment: 11:30 a.m., Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Prairie View Cemetery in Gilman
Elmo was born the son of Harry and Bertha Gunder Tomlinson on October 3, 1916, in rural Tama, Iowa. He was educated at rural schools near his home and attended Tama High School.
On February 20, 1940, he was united in marriage to Eleanor Moyer in Tama. To this union was born their son Alan. He farmed in Tama and Marshall counties all of his life and retired to Gilman in January of 1999.
Elmo was a member of the Gilman Methodist Church and volunteered many hours there doing handy work. His enjoyments included gardening, traveling to see the mountains of Colorado, and helping others in need.
Elmo is survived by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor Tomlinson of Gilman; his son Alan (Harriet) Tomlinson of Gilman; his granddaughter, Lisa Tomlinson of Holland, Michigan; his sister, Delores Williamson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; his sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Tomlinson of Tama, Hazel Tomlinson of Gilman, Beverly Tomlinson of Yuma, Arizona; and his brother-in-law, Rev. Kenneth Dykstra of Pella. Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, his sisters, Mildred Gray, Ruth Houston, Kathleen Dykstra; and his brothers, Wayne, Warren, Richard and John Tomlinson; and 2 siblings in infancy.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials be directed to Iowa River Hospice or to the Gilman Methodist Church and may be sent in care of the Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.
Donald J. Cooper
January 24, 1935 - April 12, 2007
Grinnell, Iowa
Visitation: 12 noon - 8 p.m., with the family present to greet friends from 6 - 8 p.m., April 13, 2007 at Smith Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 14, 207 at First Assembly of God Church in Grinnell
Don was born the son of Guy and Mabel Hoagland Cooper on January 24, 1935, on the Cooper family farm near Rock Creek Lake. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell schools.
He honorably served his country during the Korean War in the United States Air Force as a Sergeant from 1951 - 1955. He was united in marriage to Loretta Lowry on May 30, 1954, in Searsboro, Iowa and to this union their sons Blake and Brent were born. The couple lived in Grinnell all of their lives, where Don worked for Grinnell College, was a branch manager at Thermagas, and later as a sales manager at the Des Moines Register. He then owned and operated the Grinnell Dairy Queen and West Side Storage units. He enjoyed working with youth and opened a youth center called “The Wreck.”
Don enjoyed buying and selling almost anything and loved bargaining to make a deal. He loved his family unconditionally and looked forward to their annual family trip to Back Bone Lake, where they would spend many hours around the bonfire.
Don is survived by his wife Loretta Cooper of Grinnell; his sons, Blake (Cindy) Cooper of Rock Creek Lake and Brent (Debby) Cooper of Grinnell; his granddaughters, Megan Cooper, Jessie Dewey and Nicole Routier, all of Grinnell; his great grandchildren, Jobe Dewey, Kassie Routier and Jackson Routier; his brother, Burton Cooper of Magalia, California; his sisters, Eloise Otto, Ruby Teed and Loretta Burrell, all of Grinnell. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Cooper; and his great grandson, Simon Dewey.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Donald J. Cooper Memorial Fund.
