Donald Minks

Donald Lee Minks Sr, 76, passed away peacefully March 8, 2024, under Hospice care, surrounded by his loved ones. Don was born on August 4, 1947, in Des Moines, Iowa to Max and Helen Minks.

Don was known for his love of family, his sense of humor, and his ability to build anything asked of him. He dedicated his life to being a carpenter and member of Carpenters Local 106 for nearly 50 years, bringing joy and inspiration to all who knew him. He worked for Bergstrom Construction in the Des Moines area and was known for leaving his signature hidden in the walls of new buildings or renovations with the hope of being unveiled years later. Family meant everything to Don, known as Husband, Dad, and Papa to those who loved him the most. He treasured the years when he and Mary owned property at Lake Panorama and spent most weekends sharing their gifts with friends and family on cruises around the lake, camping, swimming, tire swings with the kids, and the always-promised stop for ice cream on the way home.

Don was born the first of three children and grew up in Des Moines, graduating from Lincoln High School. He entered the army after graduation and served his country honorably before being discharged. He will forever be known as a Vietnam Veteran serving in Thailand.

Don was generous with his time and talents, volunteering in his community. He was a member of VFW Post 9662, a Jaycee for many years, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, worked at the food bank every Tuesday, built tiny homes for the homeless through Habitat for Humanity. In addition, every other Saturday he volunteered at the Carpenters Union Hall for the Kids Build Program. He loved baseball and spent many years coaching baseball teams and softball teams in the Saydel area. He loved sharing his love of sports with the kids.

Don will be deeply missed by Mary, his wife of 55 years, his daughter Lori Anderson (Mitch Lundgren), and sons Don (Kendra), and Tom. In addition, those left to honor his memory are his grandchildren Whitney, Jake, and Nate Anderson; Morgan and Max Minks; Peyton and Austin Minks; three great grandchildren; brother Paul (Linda) Minks; sister-in-law Patty and David Aust; sister-in-law Kathy Peters, and numerous nieces and nephews, family, and friends. Don leaves behind a legacy of hard work and integrity, compassion, humbleness, and a never-ending love for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Helen Minks, his sister Cindy Douglas, mother-in-law and father-in-law Eugene and Ellen Kemp, and brother-in-law Dennis Peters.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 13 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Catholic Mass will be held on Thursday, March 14 at All Saints Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. with burial afterward.

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