Harry D. Donald (1933-2021)

DONALD, BRANNAN, DALE, SCOTT, REESE, HELMOLD, SCHWINGLE, MUELLER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/23/2021 at 15:37:02

Harry Delmar Donald, 87, of Bennett, IA, died Wednesday evening, January 13, 2021, while under hospice care in his home from complications due to cancer.
On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Fry Funeral Home will host a private Funeral Service at 12:30 PM. The service will be immediately followed by a graveside committal service, with military honors, at the Inland Cemetery in Bennett, IA.
In Harry’s memory, a memorial fund for the Bennett Fire Department has been established. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the memorial fund and cards should be mailed to 5431 157th St, Grimes, IA 50111 in c/o Barbara Reese.
Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com
Harry, son of James Lee Donald and Georgia Brannan, was born on Thursday, August 17, 1933 in Birmingham, IA.
Harry graduated from Vinton High School and then spent four years in the US Navy beginning in 1952. Harry proudly served his country in the field of Telecommunications until his Honorable discharge in 1956.
On November 27, 1964, Harry was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Dale in Dike, IA. Utilizing his telecommunications experience and expertise, Harry worked as an installer for AT&T until his initial retirement in his early 60’s. He then worked for and retired from the Farm Service in Bennett, IA.
Harry had a servant heart; he could also be found serving his community as a volunteer fireman and treasurer for the Bennett Fire Department. Friends and family describe Harry as a very involved, well-liked, and respected man. In memories, Harry is often referred to as a “MacGyver” because he loved tinkering with tools while making and repairing all sorts of things. He loved to impart his knowledge of “tinkering” and repairs (and other life lessons) by turning everything into a game. Some of the family's greatest memories with Harry include year-round camping and fishing trips.
Harry’s passion for his family is undeniable. The family cherishes memories of him championing for their welfare and teaching them compassion, loyalty, and respect by exhibiting those same inherent values to himself and others. After the passing of his son, Bradley, Harry stepped in as a father-figure to his grandsons, Harley and Dale. His family all agree that Harry’s influence made them who they are today - “Harry made them their best.”

Harry is survived by Daughters, Brenda (Robert) Scott of Bluegrass, IA, Barbara (Shane) Reese of Des Moines, IA; Step-daughter, Ellen (Richard) Helmold of Bennett, IA;
Step-son, John (Diane) Schwingle of SD; Sister, Evelyn Mueller of TX; Brother, Harley Donald of Cedar Rapids, IA; 9 Grandchildren; and 9 Great-Grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Georgia; wife, Bonnie; son, Bradley Donald; brothers, Richard Donald and Dale Donald; and step-son, Daniel Schwingle.

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