Donald D. Unger
February 07, 2011
Donald D. Unger, 78, passed away suddenly on Monday, February 7, 2011, from a stroke. He was born on February 2, 1933, to Marvin and Lorraine Unger and grew up in St. Louis, MO.
Donald was a high school stand-out in many sports including football, basketball and track. He was most proud of his Missouri state championship title in pole vaulting. Donald attended the University of Missouri earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and the Air Force ROTC. At Mizzou, he met the love of his life, Jacqueline Ameling. They recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
Donald served as a second lieutenant in the US Air Force and was number one in his pilot training class. Upon completion of his military service, he and Jackie moved to Des Moines where he began his engineering career. He worked as a Sales Representative for R.S. Stover Company in Marshalltown, IA, and retired in 1992.
Donald was extremely proud of his three daughters and their families, Laura (Stanley) Chamberlain of Chapel Hill, NC, Kristen (Gregory) Kline of West Des Moines, IA, and Tracy Christensen of Cedar Rapids, IA. He was equally proud of his seven grandchildren, Nicholas and Zachary Chamberlain, Kendra and Katherine Kline, and Chad, Austin and Drew Christensen. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Unger of Eatonton, GA.
Donald was an avid golfer and enjoyed pheasant hunting, biking and playing tennis. He was a member of the Cambio Club, Des Moines Golf and Country Club and a long-time member of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 12 at 11 a.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 or the American Stroke Association, 1111 9th Street, Suite 280, Des Moines, IA 50314.
Condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Chris Perry
02/26/2011
Jackie . . . I don't know if you remember me, but I was the secretary at the R. S. Stover Company - mostly got called Chrissie.
I just learned of Don's passing today and wanted to tell you how very sorry I am. I liked Don very much and enjoyed my time working with him and all of the Stover Co. people.
I am so very sorry.
L. T. & Peg Smith
02/17/2011
Our sympathies are with you during this time of sorrow. We are very sorry to hear of Donald's passing. We came to know Donald briefly during Midwest Gas Conferences, where he was an exceptional host at dinners. We admired him for his professionalism, kindness, wit, and dedication to family. After we moved to Des Moines and became members of Plymouth, we were delighted to see him again, and to learn he was father-in-law to our new dentist. It is a small world, and the world is a better place for Donald walking its paths this number of years.
May thousands of pleasant memories wrap you in love and comfort you during this time of loss.
L. T. and Peg Smith
Urbandale
Dennis & Linda Folden
02/11/2011
Jackie,
Sorry for your loss. May God comfort you & your family and give you all peace.
Our deepest sympathy.
Jim Parks
02/11/2011
I remember Don as such a fun guy on our Cambio Club functions.
On long bus trips my Rusty and Don would do the daily crossword puzzle.
Great Memories.
With Sympathy,
Jim Parks
Tom and Vicki Smith
02/11/2011
Laura and Stan,
We know that there are no words to really help at a time like this, but we wanted you both to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I just read Mr. Ungers's obituary and, as I would have suspected from knowing you, he sounded like an outstanding and wonderful man. Again, our condolences.
Love,
Tom and Vicki
Paulena and Bob Coughenour
02/09/2011
I grew up in St. Louis with Don's brother Dick. Don was the big brother that we wanted to follow in his footsteps to be like him when we got older. Dick did that and I wish his whole family comfort in their time of sorrow.
Jill (Harkness) Zimmer
02/09/2011
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man who, along with Jackie, raised a beautiful family. I hope that you will find comfort in your memories, and in knowing that your many friends are thinking of you.
George and Georgia Wilder
02/09/2011
Our prayers and love go to you and your family. May God bless you with His comfort and love.
In His Mighty Name,
George and Georgia (sister of Johna Unger) Wilder
Alison Grier Provin
02/09/2011
I was so sorry to see in the paper that Don had passed away. It was such fun growing up across the street from you all and having you babysit for us. We were lucky to have such a great family nearby. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Alison Grier Provin
Newton, Iowa
Celeste Luense
02/09/2011
I worked with Don at R. S. Stover Company from 1987 until his retirement in 1992. He was a very generous man, always gave a box of chocolates or gift to the secretaries on Secretary's Day. So nice of him to do, when no one else did. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Bob and Brenda Pedersen
02/08/2011
Jackie, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so honored to have gotten the pleasure of knowing Don the past 9 years. Please let us know if you need anything.