Donald Eggers

Donald Arthur Eggers, son of Arthur and Elizabeth (Brosnahan) Eggers was born on February 6, 1929, on a farm west of Denison. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at St. Rose of Lima church in Denison, by Monsignor Casey. Donald passed away at the Eventide Nursing Home on Monday, December 14, 2015.
Donald received his schooling first at a country school, and also attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, graduating from the Denison High School with the class of 1948. Donald enjoyed and played football but enjoyed all sports. Donald was the first son born of a family of nine, worked on the family farm and also on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and in 1950 he was inducted into the United States Army. Donald was the first 21 year old drafted from Crawford County. Donald served from 1950 until 1952 during the Korean Conflict, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class he served his overseas duties in Germany. Upon returning from the service Donald continued to farm with his parents as well as working for the railroad. In October of 1953, Donald was united in marriage to Elizabeth L. (Betty) Christiansen at the St. Rose of Lima Church. To this union was born 2 sons, Jay Donald, and Jeffery Michael, and one daughter Janette Louise. After their marriage the couple made their home in Denison for one year while Donald continued working for the railroad. In 1954, they began farming for Attorney Bill Norelius and continued for 2 years until moving to Arion and began farming on their own. Donald loved animals and caring for them and he also worked for his brother-in-law, Walter Truitt, with a milk route and spraying operation, and worked for the Farm Service Coop in Denison, Iowa. Due to the farm being put into the soil bank Donald had to seek further employment so he began working for the Iowa State Highway Commission as an inspector and later transferred to the Iowa State Highway maintenance department and served as foreman. Donald enjoyed his work and especially the people he worked with and retired after 33 plus years. Upon retirement the couple enjoyed camping and in the winter months especially enjoyed going to Weslaco, Texas for the past 15 plus years where they made a lot of friends, playing cards and socializing.
Donald was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He especially enjoyed being around his family and always looked forward to the family gatherings and especially holidays, and watching his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren with their many activities. He enjoyed when they came to visit him and was always waiting for their returned visit. Donald also enjoyed his visits with Father Kelly who has inspired him so much. Donald and Betty along with five other people started and organized the Denison Flag Football program in the basement of their home and attended countless games. Donald was Coach, Manager and President of the Denison Little League where the couple was involved for thirty plus years. Donald was a member of the St. Rose Catholic Church, Denison Booster Club, American Legion, VFW and Knights of Columbus.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Elizabeth Eggers; sisters: Phyllis (twin of Patricia Healy) Betty and husband Walter Truitt, Norma and husband Orville Truitt, Barbara and husband Kenneth Merritt, and Regina Furne and husband Bob; brothers: William and his wife Joan Eggers, Robert and Frank Eggers; and special son James S. Draper, brother-in-law Bill Healy. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, children: Jay Donald and special friend Deb Hascall, Janette and special friend Kevin Gallagher, Jeffery and special friend Rick Kilts. Also surviving granddaughter Mindy and husband Jason Randeris and their children Wyatt Jason and Ashton Barbara; grandsons: Michael Lee and his wife, Ashley of Denison, Iowa; Chad and Shannon Eggers of Austin, Texas; Also Bettie Draper wife of the late James S. Draper. Surviving also is his sister Patricia Healy of Wall Lake, Sister-in-law Beverly Eggers of Carmichael, California.