Donald Marmann
Donald Dean Marmann, 84, of Farmersburg. Iowa died March 12, 2018 at Central Community Hospital in Elkader, Iowa. Don was born at the rural Guttenberg home of his parents, Raymond and Pearl (Taake) Marmann on November 3, 1933. He was baptized and confirmed March 25, 1956 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Elkader by Rev. Paul Kitterer. Don received his education in rural country schools in Clayton County, acquiring his GED while in the military. Don was drafted into the service during the Korean War on June 9, 1953, receiving his honorable discharge on April 20, 1955, having spent most of his time in Germany.After returning home, he farmed for a while with his father and brother, Allan Dale.
Don was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Coobs on August 9, 1957 at the Evangelical and Reformed Church in Elkader by Rev. Paul Kitterer. To this union, three children were born, Theresa, Denise and Jason. Don and Shirley farmed for many years in the area but because of Don’s failing health, they quit and moved to their present home in Farmersburg in November of 1971. He was very mechanically inclined and obtained employment at Matt-Frye Electric (for about 20 years), M’s Machine, Royal Products, and retiring from C J Moyna & Sons in 2011.
Throughout his life Don had a love for photography, Chrysler vehicles, and Farmall equipment, especially his tractors and the one he built from scratch. He purchased a tiller for this tractor and tilled hundreds of gardens in the area. Don enjoyed country music and loved to dance when he was able. After moving to town they took up camping and belonged to two camping clubs from which many friendships were made. One of the highlights of Don’s later years was a Freedom Flight to Washington DC in September of 2013, accompanied by his son, Jason. His family was important to him and he enjoyed having the grandkids and great-grandkids visit. Don is a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg and the St. Olaf American Legion Post #388. He was also on the Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery Board and in his younger years served on the Farmersburg Fire Department.
Don is survived by his loving wife and caregiver; Shirley, of 60 years; daughters, Theresa (Sheldon Stotmeister) Rodas, McGregor, Denise (Edward Hayes-Hall) Thompson, Prairie du Chien WI, son, Jason (Kristine) Marmann, Monona;12 grandchildren, Christopher (Kayla) Schmidt, Farmersburg; Blake (Andrea) Thompson, Clinton; Brock (Megan) Thompson, Monona; Craig (Chelsea) Rodas, Farmersburg; Dillon (Kayla) Thompson, McGregor; Brian (Amber) Rodas, Minneota MN; Dallas Thompson, Clinton, Andrew (Beth) Rodas, Altoona; Collin Thompson, Monona; Casey (Cody) Radloff, Severn, MD; Donald (Adalena) Marmann, Monona; Daniel (Caitlyn Dable and Aiden) Marmann, Monona; and Marty Adam, foster grandchild, Cedar Rapids; two step-grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brian) Riley, Cascade and Eric Rodas, Calmar; 14 great-grandchildren, April, Evelyn, Kennedy, Marshall, Vincent, Alyssa, Charlotte, Kinsey, Axel, Madeline, Mira , McCoy, Briella, Emery and one on the way; three step-great-grandchildren, Cole, Jamison and Alayna; two sisters, Elvera Palas, Mason City and Geneva Hoth, Monona; sisters-in-law, Betty Marmann, Elkader; Dorothy Thompson, Muscatine; Nancy Marmann, Cedar Rapids, Sandra Coobs, Elkader and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Pearl Marmann, his wife’s parents, William and Gladys Coobs, five brothers, Ray Jr. (Margaret), Vurnell, Everett, Allan Dale and Veryl Dean in infancy, brothers-in-law, John Palas, Vernon Hoth, Verdean Thompson, Donald (Rebecca) Coobs and Edward Coobs; six nephews and one step grandson.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader, Iowa. There was also a one-hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church in Farmersburg, Iowa with Rev. Harold McMillin as the officiant. Burial with Military Rites followed at Farmersburg-Wagner Cemetery in Farmersburg, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader, Iowa assisted the family with arrangements.
