Sr Donald J Schmelzer

Donald J. Schmelzer, Sr. was born the son of Otto and Margaret (Thein) Schmelzer on June 22, 1931 at home near Garber. He died Monday, June 27, 2005, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. Don graduated from the Littleport High School and served his country in the Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded in action at Kumwa. In honor of his service he received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart. On April 24, 1954 he was united in marriage with Jeanette Bahls at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Elkader. Don also worked for John Deere Dubuque Works, for many years, until his retirement in 1992. In his spare time Don enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing gardening, driving his tractor and riding his John Deere. He was also a member of VFW # 11503, Amvets Post #27, American Legion and Eagles club. Don will be sadly missed by his mother Margaret; seven sons, Randall (Rhonda) Schmelzer of Garnavillo, Roger (Vivian) Schmelzer of Lascassas, Tenn., Richard "Rick" Schmelzer of Lascassas, Tenn., Russell (Leslie) Schmelzer of Springbrook, Brad Schmelzer of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Donald (Julie) Schmelzer, Jr. of Guttenberg, Rodney "Goob" (Toni) Schmelzer of Guttenberg; one sister, Patricia (Franklin) Wacker of St. Olaf; thirteen grandchildren, Jill, Joy, Tony, Sarah, Travis, Lindsey, Jessica, Jamie, Abby, Jennifer, Benjamin, Stacey and Sawyer; two great grandchildren, Hunter and Samuel He was preceded in death by his wife, father and three brothers, Keith, Roland, Robert Schmelzer.Visitation: 4:00-8:00P.M. June 29, 2005 at Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, IowaFuneral Service: 10:00 A.M. June 30, 2005 at St. Mary's Catholic ChurchInterment: St. Mary's Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available