Donald Sadewasser

Donald Sadewasser, age 80, of Guttenberg, IA, died Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was born one of three children to Delbert and Ruby (Frye) Sadewasser on July 9, 1931 in Guttenberg. Don received his education in the Guttenberg School System and graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1949. Two years later on August 28, 1951, Don married his classmate, high school sweetheart, and best friend, Joan Heller. Shortly after marriage, Don entered the U.S. Army on November 7, 1951, and was honorably discharged on October 9, 1953. Don and Joan were blessed with seven sons and two daughters. At age 14, Don began commercial fishing, something he truly enjoyed throughout his lifetime. In 1955, he started a 32-year career at John Deere until his retirement in 1987. Additionally, Don farmed with his sons, raising beef cattle. During the busiest years of his life, Don remained an active member of St. Johns Church, served on the church council and was the Sunday School Superintendent. Traveling was something Don and Joan did often. The two made time every year for vacation; piling the luggage and kids into the station wagon and setting course around the United States as a family. Especially in their later years, the couple saw the many sites this country has to offer. A memorable trip to Hawaii brought an easy smile to Don (but surely, not because it was a vacation without their children!). Don also enjoyed taking trips to the boat and playing a little Keno every now and then. Don and Joan were also known to host excellent fish fries throughout the years. Being outdoors was a large part of Dons life. It gave him great pleasure to be fishing, hunting or just being out on the farm. In Dons world there were three holidays; Thanksgiving, Deer Season and Christmas. However, it was the great fun he had with his family that meant the most to him. Don is survived by his lifelong friend and wife of 60 years, Joan; seven children, David (Elaine), Dan, Richard (Mary) Mark (Thalia), Matthew (Beth), Julie (Don) and Linda (Glenn); 27 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy (Blair) Beatty; one brother, Delos (Donna); two daughter in laws, Julie Jo Zittergruen, Wanetta Sadewasser and many other family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Thomas and JamesIn Lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be sent to benefit St. John's Lutheran Church, St. Mary's Catholic School or the Clayton Ridge School.Visitation: Monday 10:00- 11:00 A.M, October 10, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church Guttenberg, IowaFuneral Service: Monday 11:00 A.M. October 10, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church Guttenberg, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available