Donald M. Whannel
June 24, 2014
Donald Merle Whannel, 83, passed away June 24, 2014. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with the visitation on Sunday, June 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. and the funeral service on Monday, June 30 at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.
Don was born on December 31, 1930 in Waterloo, IA, the son of Leonard and Kathryn Galt McCreath Whannel. After living in the Waterloo area for a short while, the family moved to rural Traer, IA. Don was the youngest child in the family along with two older sisters, Maxine and Marilyn. His mother died in November 1937 when Don was age 7. He was sent to live with his father’s sister, Florence Carlson, of rural northwest Boone, IA. She lovingly raised him along with her own family until his father reunited with his children and moved to Jefferson, IA when Don was in the 8th grade. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949. He then joined the National Guard and in September 1950 during the Korean War, joined the Air Force, and became part of the 86th fighter Wing in Landstuhl, Germany. He served in the Air Police for 3-1/2 years. Don returned to Jefferson in January of 1954.
In the spring of 1956, Don met his future wife, Helen Hutchins, a teacher in the Jefferson Schools. They were married August 3, 1958 in the Jefferson Methodist Church. The couple lived in Jefferson for several years where Don worked as a lineman for the Greene County REC and Helen taught school. In June 1973 they moved to West Des Moines. Don worked in the maintenance department of Iowa Methodist Hospital where he specialized in the fire alarm and sprinkler system for the entire complex; and Helen taught school in Urbandale, IA.
Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen; his children Kathy (Terry) Zoerb of Waynesville, OH and David Whannel of West Des Moines, IA; four grandchildren, Jon (Carly) Zoerb of Leesburg, VA, Terry Zoerb, Jr. of Xenia, OH, Nadia (Enoch) May of Fairborn, OH, and Michael Zoerb of Dayton, OH; four great-grandchildren, Madison and Parker Zoerb, and Aubrey and Nolan May; and his sister, Marilyn Wierson of Roland, IA. Don was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Maxine Koumalats of Amarillo, TX.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Kelly Kraska
06/29/2014
My parents john and barb use to take me to the bucs games where I met Don as a little girl. He use to have these trolls with the long hair to show me and give me. Every new place I went I would always pick up a troll to show him. I will always remember him. Thank you for that memory and god bless your family.
Pat McNulty and Mary Ann Kundrat
06/29/2014
Dear Mrs. Wannel,
We are so sorry to learn of your husband's death. Please accept our sympathy and our thanks for your wonderful teaching.
Barb & Jim Gorman
06/28/2014
Dear Helen, Just want you to know Jim and I are thinking about you and your family. Thinking of you and your family brought back memories of our teaching at the old North Grade School. Our prayers are with all of you at this time. Barb & Jim
Judy Ruch
06/28/2014
Dear Helen,
Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family at the loss of your Don. I remember well our teaching days together at Rolling Green School. Thinking of you at the sad time.
Amy Wiley
06/27/2014
Nadia and family, Sorry for the loss of your grandfather, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ingrid Addy
06/27/2014
Nadia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you..
Michelle (Wierson) Stillfield
06/27/2014
Aunt Marilyn and family, Kelly and I are so sorry for the loss of your brother. We extend our condolences to your sister-in-law and family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Aunt Marilyn. Michelle and Kelly
Shannon and Lanny Rover
06/26/2014
We are sad to hear of Don's passing. We have known Don for many years. A good friend. We are grateful for the time spent with him at the ice arena watching his favorite hockey team the Des Moines Buccaneers. Lots of good memories in those years. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Jan Strawn
06/26/2014
Helen and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of Don. It has been a long time since I have seen Don, you, and Kathy. I remember the time we had a hay ride out at your place in the country. I know from experience how the memories and family help at this time.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Strawn
Deb Cannon
06/26/2014
Kathy and family,
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish your wonderful memories of your Daddy-don't forget the humor :-) God Bless You and your family.
Lori Etzel
06/26/2014
Don and Helen are like family to us. We cherish the memories that we have of Don. All the fishing, hockey games, family dinners and the stories. He was full of stories. Helen, Kathy, David and family you are in our prayers. We Love You all.
Sally Eystad
06/26/2014
Praying for your family at this difficult time. Your Dad was a great man. Hugs to, as I have called her for 50 years, Mrs. Whannel.