Lass, Donald A. 1937-2014

LASS, BAHNSEN, MACKENZIE, SPOONER, KELLY, WEINBECK, RIXEN, BRYDEN, OLSEN

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 4/3/2014 at 16:52:15

Donald A. Lass took his Savior’s hand and stepped into paradise early Monday morning, March 3, 2014, his father’s birthday, after succumbing to long-term effects of Parkinson’s disease. Cremation rites have been accorded as he wished; and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church ELCA, 715 So. 3rd Street, with The Reverend Gary Lawler officiating. A luncheon and time for visitation and sharing for family and friends will follow immediately after the service in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at papefh.com

Don was born to Arthur and Clara Bahnsen Lass on January 4, 1937, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. His father was employed as a railroads inspector which provided many opportunities for travel by train, a home in Chadron, Nebraska, during his fifth grade of school before returning to the family’s home in Clinton. Don graduated from Clinton High School in 1955 and attended a year at Clinton Community College before joining the Army. He honorably served his country from 1956 until 1959, stationed at NATO SHAPE Headquarters in Paris, France. He married Jan MacKenzie with whom he had two daughters. He later married Marcia Spooner in 1978 and together they had a son in 1984.

Don was employed at Clinton Corn Processing in purchasing until he joined Chemplex in 1967during its infancy while its offices were in the Howes Building. His career continued there as Purchasing Agent under its various affiliations until his retirement in 1997. Actively involved in his community, he served as president and/or chair of the Board of Directors of many organizations, including Clinton Jaycees, American Red Cross, Eagle Point Nature Society, and Skyline Center, Inc. As a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Don served on the Church Council and the Finance Committee. He was a former Scout Master of Troop 642 of the Boy Scouts of America.

A voracious reader, Don spent many hours at the library, often bringing home several books each week. He loved his country and cherished his parents’ German ancestry. Time spent outdoors doing anything was always preferred. He and his family enjoyed camping, beginning with a tent on a secluded island in a game preserve of the Mississippi River, advancing to a pop-up and eventually a real trailer with indoor plumbing. They visited many National and State Parks and all 48 of the contiguous United States. However, they were forced to fly to revel in vacationing in Hawaii, Italy and a return trip to France while their son lived there as a student.

Living on to honor Don’s life and cherish memories as an exceptional husband, father and friend are his wife, Marcia; daughter Dr. Renee Lass (spouse Larry Kelly) of Bettendorf; Cathryn Lass of Davenport; Alexander Lass, Chicago; especially close in-laws David and Michele Spooner and Louis Weinbeck; Marion, Janice and Lynda Spooner, Gayla Rixen and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands, Ed and Lois (Lass) Bryden and Alvin and Loraine (Lass) Olsen and his best friend of 15 years, Golden Retriever Cinnamon. Memorials may be made to Saint Paul Lutheran Church or the Clinton Humane Society.