F. Don Stirler, 85, of Reinbeck, passed away on Friday, June 8, 2012 at Parkview Manor in Reinbeck. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 13th, 10:30 A.M. at Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reinbeck. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Parkview Manor Building Project, 1009 Third Street, Reinbeck, IA 50669.
Don was born on December 3, 1926 in Reinbeck, the son of Casper & Ella (DeVries) Stirler. A lifelong Reinbeck resident, Don attended school in Reinbeck. From 1944 to 1946, Don honorably served his country with the United States Army stationed in Japan. On March 4, 1949, Don was united in marriage to LaVonne Stumberg in Decorah, Iowa. The couple welcomed three daughters into their family. Don worked part time as a farmer and worked for Viking Pump for 25 years, retiring in 1991.
He was a member of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and was a member of the Reinbeck American Legion Action Post #242. Don loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, LaVonne of Reinbeck; daughters Linda (Dennis) Romitti of Minnetonka, MN and Marcia Stirler of Cedar Falls; grandchildren Misti & Mike Ellis of Reinbeck; son-in-law Sy Ellis of Bardstown, Kentucky; sisters-in-law Helga Stirler of Reinbeck & Marian Graves and brothers-in-law Jack, Pork & Bob Stumberg; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Sandie Ellis; grandson Damon Ellis in infancy; sisters Margaret Storjohann, Hattie Ramsey and Clara & Elizabeth Stirler and brothers John, Tobe & Wally Stirler; numerous nieces and nephews.
Don's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Parkview Manor for their excellent care & kindness towards Don.