Don R. Wohlwend
September 30, 2013
Don Wohlwend, 92, passed away Monday, September 30, 2013 at Parkridge Care Facility in Pleasant Hill. He was born in High Bridge, Iowa February 17, 1921 to Albert and Elizabeth Wohlwend. Our dad lived a wonderful life and was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He gave us all so much; his love, guidance, and support. He has been and will continue to be an inspiration to his family and those whose lives he touched through his ministry and through his example in living.
Don served his country in the U.S. Army in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri and gained the rank of First Sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he was ordained into the ministry and spent many years pastoring churches in Missouri and Iowa.
After returning to Iowa, he continued his ministry and also worked as Director of Auto Physical Damage for Allied Insurance. He went to work for the National Association of Independent Insurers in Des Plaines, Illinois and while working with NAIT, he became National Conference Coordinator for the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair. There he developed repair techniques and coordinated the training for body shops throughout the United States and Canada. These programs are still taught in Community Colleges today. Returning to Des Moines, he became the Auto Physical Damage Consultant for Principal Financial Group until his retirement.
Don is preceded in death by his loving wife, Margarette Bates Wohlwend; eleven of his siblings: sisters, Mable Phillips, Gladys Carder, Alice Ferguson, Ethel Jones, Dolly Kubli, Cleo Viers, and JoAnn; brothers, Francis, Art, Merle, and Bill Wohlwend; and son-in-law, Larry Parsons.
He is survived by one brother, Pat Miller of Salem, MO; his children, Judy Wohlwend Parsons of Pleasant Hill, Donna Wohlwend Moon (Gary) of Des Moines, and Jeff Wohlwend (Wendy) of Indianola; grandchildren, Craig Parsons (Tami), Brian Parsons (Lori), Kristy Moon Nachtigal (Brad), Jim Moon, Megan Wohlwend, and Adam Wohlwend (Courtney); and great-grandchildren, Lindsey Parsons Starbuck (Shaun), Alison Parsons (Tyler Wilson), Cory Parsons, Michael Nachtigal, Tommy Nachtigal, Brandon Nachtigal, Jaimie Moon, Owen Parsons, and Olivia Parsons.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines followed by burial at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2013, also at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Charlotte Komlose(Peters)
10/06/2013
Just to say I am sorry for your loss Judy and Donna, knowing both and Larry Parson's growing up on 38th street. May God Bless U all. Sincere Sympathy..Charlotte
Rex and Anna Vance
10/03/2013
Sorry to hear about your Dad, not only was he a good neighbor he become a good friend, we had lots of long talks in the back yard.
Jane & Rick Smith
10/02/2013
Was so sorry to see of your Dad's passing. Our sincere sympathy.
PAT & RITA MILLER
10/02/2013
I WANT TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF MY DEAR BROTHER..YOU WILL BE MISSED DON LOVE ALWAYS YOUR BROTHER PAT MILLER
Tim Leonard
10/02/2013
My most sincere condolences to the entire Wohlwend and Parsons family. My mother was Lucy Bishop Leonard a sister to Wanda Bishop Wohlwend. Mother, while living, spoke very highly of Don. She would reflect back upon his friendship and his thoughtful Loving ministries. Gods Peace to each of you in the coming days, weeks and months as you make the difficult and sometimes challenging adjustment in Life without Don's guidance. Don left an amazing legacy.
Missy Bohn from Parkridge
10/01/2013
To the Wohlwend Family.....
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Don. We were only able to have him with us a short time at Parkridge but he touched many lives and we really grew to love him. He truly was a wonderful man and we will all miss him very much. Thank-you for allowing us to be a second family to him!!! God bless you all!!!