Donald Joseph ("Don") Kehrli 1949-2015

KEHRLI, SCHWENDINGER, GRAVES, WETZEL, TRASAK, HOFFMAN

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 4/24/2016 at 21:12:14

Donald Joseph ("Don") Kehrli, 66, joined his previously departed loved ones in heaven on July 25, 2015, after a brief illness related to his three-year battle with stage IV lung cancer.

Don was born in Independence, Iowa, on Feb. 13, 1949, to Doris Caroline (Schwendinger) and Earl T. Kehrli. He attended St. Mary's grade school, graduated from West Delaware High School and earned a welding degree from Kirkwood Community College. Having grown up a traditional Iowa farm boy, Don fashioned himself into a "jack-of-all trades" and troubleshooting handyman. As an adult, Don helped several Manchester area farmers manage their agri-businesses, worked for Kent Feeds, welded at Henderson Manufacturing and worked in maintenance at Virginia Gay Hospital in Vinton. He was particularly proud of his service as a deputy in the Delhi/Hopkinton area.

He is survived by his three sisters, Elmeda "Ellie" (Harry) Graves, Iowa City, Marge (Wayne) Wetzel, Vinton, and Audrey (Paul) Trasak, Cedar Rapids; four brothers, Bob Kehrli, Earlville, Bill Kehrli, Decorah, Dave Kehrli, Manchester, and Mike (Michelle) Kehrli, Mount Auburn; 16 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by an aunt, Irma Schwendinger, Earlville; and former brother-in-law, Robin (Beate) Hoffman, Vinton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Don was fearless and resolute. Though a spinal cord injury suffered during his young adulthood resulted in him spending over half his life in a wheelchair, he never allowed this to encumber his abilities. He stoically battled numerous injuries, surgeries, infections and cancer, right up until the time the Lord finally called him Home. Don was a lifelong bachelor, but counted among his "children" several beloved nieces, nephews and godchildren. He dedicated much of his adult life caring for, tutoring and guiding them, and, in turn, "Uncle Donnie" will forever be cherished as a "second father" by Dani, Tricia and Chris, and Jess and Timmy.

Don loved farming and being outdoors, tending to gardens and livestock (particularly miniature horses). Always quick to help a neighbor, family member or friend, he spent countless hours sharing his knowledge of motors, machines and maintenance. Don was never one to be complacent, despite his circumstances, seemingly always "on the go" in his motorized wheelchair, "mule" (golf cart) or specially fitted van. He also loved to paint, particularly Bob Ross-inspired landscapes and scenic views.

Don will be remembered as a kind, gentle and selfless soul, giving to others so much more than he took. While he may have survived for so much of his life on very little, his generosity was boundless.

In his final days, Don wanted people to know how unspeakably grateful he was to the numerous family members, doctors, nurses, caregivers, friends and neighbors who provided him love and support for well over four decades. He was especially thankful for the compassion and sacrifices of others, particularly his cancer doctor and nurse navigator at the Hall Perrine Cancer Center, the end-of-life caregivers at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House and those upon whom he relied for daily care in his later years. While his determination and positive outlook helped keep him going, he knew that he wouldn't have been able to persevere without the assistance of so many people.

Simply stated, Don's life is a testament to turning lemons into lemonade, enduring setbacks but viewing them as challenges and opportunities and never giving up. The many people whose lives he touched through his presence, influence and example know that the world is a better place with him having been here.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 29, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Vinton, with visitation commencing at 9:30 a.m. and Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. Don will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Farley at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Memorials can be directed to Miracles In Motion, c/o Mike Kehrli, P.O. Box 120, Mount Auburn, IA 52313.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillips funeralhomes.com.

Gazette, The (Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, IA) - Monday, July 27, 2015