Don Reece of Elkader, Iowa passed away Saturday December 8, 2018 in his home with his loving family by his side at the age of 86. Don was the son of Carl and Bertha (Bock) Reece of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Don was born in Iowa City, Iowa on March 25, 1932. Don lived in Iowa City and graduated from Iowa City, City High school. After high school Don Joined the Air force in March of 1951. Where he served as a Staff Sargent of preventative medicine during the Korean war. Don was honorably discharged. Don started collage at the University of Iowa. Don met and married the love of his life Mary Rae Dauber in Iowa city and were married that summer on August 24, 1955. That fall Don transferred to the Iowa state teacher’s college in Cedar Falls Iowa where he graduated with a BA in teaching. Don began his teaching and coaching career in George Iowa. Don accepted a teaching and coaching position in Iowa city, Iowa in1966. Don moved his family to Iowa City that summer. This began his teaching and coaching career that span 4 decades. Don was an avid outdoors man, he achieved his dream of owning his own hunting paradise outside Elkader Iowa moving his family one last time. He farmed and was an Industrial Arts teacher and Wrestling coach at Edgewood Colesburg. Don had the honor of being voted Iowa Jr. High Wrestling coach of the year in 1991. Don retired from teaching and coaching in 1995. During his teaching and coaching career, Don will be remembered by his gift of connection to people and building lifelong relationships. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf, but most of all he enjoyed spending his time with family and friends. He will be remembered for his love of life and his kindness and generosity for those he held close to him.
He is survived by his 3 daughters Mary Ellen (Missy) Dean Leonard, of Elkader Ia. Donna Rae Reece, Newport, North Carolina and Elkader IA. and Barbara Ann (Jeff) Reinhardt of Strawberry PT. IA. Four grandchildren Paul (Bridget) Ehrhardt, of Guttenberg Ia. Heidi Ann Dettman (Matt Berger) of Elkader Ia. Kristie (Sam) Battin of Elkader Ia. and Jacob (Amy) Dettman of Elkader Iowa. Twelve Great grandchildren Ethan, Brady, Connor, Paxton, Carter, Bella, Hunter, Bailie, Izibele, Hunter, Jaydin, Paige and Teagan. Dons sister Ellen Reece Hynes and family of Ballwin Mo.
A memorial tree planting will be held in the spring at the Don and Mary Rae Reece farm.
Condolences and sympathy can be sent to the Reece Family: at 27383 Galaxy Road, Elkader Iowa 52043.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family.