Donald Joseph Walz, 77, of Elkader, died Tuesday morning, October 22, 2024, at the VA-CLC Care Center in Des Moines following a long illness. He was born September 10, 1947, in Elkader to Edward and Catherine (Stannard) Walz.
Don helped his parents farming until his graduation from Elkader High School in 1965. He enlisted and went to the Navy and worked on submarine as a cook. He served his country from March of 1966 to December of 1969. He returned to the family farm helping his parents. Don and his brother Walter started farming together with the help of Walter’s family. Don semi-retired in 2009. He was a member of St. Joseph Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his siblings, Kenneth (Twyla) Walz and Walter (Kay) Walz of Elkader; Cindy Eicheberger of Manson, IA; his nephews and nieces Elisha Walz, Tim (Wendy) Walz, Jeremy (Becky) Walz, Justin (Dani) Eicheberger and Michelle (Wesly) Lamphier; great nephews and nieces, Alex, Andre (Morgan), Ashley and Allison Walz, Owen and Lucas Walz, Canden and Easton Eicheberger, Chase, Christen, Carson Lamphier and many cousins and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Larry; niece LaTonya and a brother-in-law, Randy.
Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 28, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader. Deacon Paul Dolan will officiate.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family