In Loving Memory
Donald Wichman

VISITATION
Friday, September 30, 2016
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, October 1, 2016
11:00 A.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Peter Morlock

INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MILITARY GRAVESIDE RITES
V.F.W. Post #2295
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Donald Dean Wichman, first born child of Alfred H. and Florence M. (Miller) Wichman, was born January 4, 1930 on the family farm near Ruthven, Iowa. He received his education at Silver Lake School in Ayrshire, graduating in 1948.

On August 5, 1951, Don was united in marriage to Darlene Frances Nissen at Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven. Shortly after their marriage, on November 15, 1951 Don entered the United States Army. He served in the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on July 31, 1953 at Fort Carson, Colorado having earned two Bronze Stars. He and Darlene were blessed with six children.

Don worked as a mason and carpenter by trade, working with his grandfather, Peter Miller and his uncle, LeRoy Miller. Don built two brick homes for his family as well as many area nursing homes and other facilities in the area.

Don was a devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and was a very active member of V.F.W. Post #2295. Don rarely missed serving in the Honor Guard during parades, funerals or other community events. He was devoted to the V.F.W. Post, helping at annual fish fries, BINGO and countless fund raisers. Don was active in helping with Veteran Affairs, driving people to appointments. He was very proud of the fact that he had volunteered approximately 9700 hours and driven over 400,000 miles for the Veterans in the past 30 years. Don was instrumental in planning and the completion of the Veterans Memorial as well as the memorial at Evergreen Cemetery and at Soper Park.

Don loved doing woodworking and making wooden projects. He enjoyed following the many activities that his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in.

Don passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Darlene; and a brother, Kenneth.

He is survived by his children, Jacqueline (Keith) Stoltz of Hartley, Iowa, Rebeccca (Frank) Hoefling of Kimberling City, Missouri, Nancy (Jim) McKenzie of Sioux City, Iowa, Sharon (Dan) McKee of Geneva, Illinois, Daniel Wichman of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Timothy (Brenda) Wichman of Clear Lake, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; brothers, David (Marilyn) Wichman of Canby, Oregon and Dennis (Elaine) Wichman of Wakefield, Rhode Island; a sister, Marilyn (Cyril) Rouse of Ayrshire, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Viola Wenzler of Owensboro, Kentucky and Elsie Wichman of Ruthven, Iowa; a special niece, Glenyce Schmeling of Emmetsburg, Iowa; several other nieces, nephews and extended relatives; as well as many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home