PLETCHER, Donald (1928-2005)

PLETCHER, HECKER, RIEKENA, EISENMAN, HILDMAN, WEBER, VAVRIK, GILBERT, CROWDER, RAMOS, BROWN

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 3/11/2016 at 12:50:04

Donald Pletcher, 1928-2005

January 26, 2005

Donald Pletcher, 76, of Britt, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 21, at the United Methodist Church, Britt. The Rev. Robert Dodge officiated. Music was provided by Tammy Johnson who accompanied vocalist, Darcy Eisenman. Harry Smith and Dennis Zuehl were ushers.

Honorary casket bearers were Mr. Pletcher's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Active casket bearers were John Pletcher, Ron Pletcher, Scott Gilbert, Todd Hildman, Eric Eisenman, Rod Crowder, Al Heginger and Richard Savoy. Interment was in the Evergreen Cemetery, Britt. Military graveside services were provided by the Britt Veteran's Ceremonial Unit. The Ewing-Dugger Funeral Chapel of Britt was in charge of the arrangements.

Don Pletcher, the son of Lloyd and Florence (Hecker) Pletcher, was born on July 25, 1928 in Ada, Minnesota. The family later moved to Iowa where he attended the Hayfield Schools and then farmed with his father. Don served with the U.S. Army from 1946 until 1948.

Don was united in marriage with Vivian Riekena on July 31, 1947 in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The couple made their home in the Britt area and lived in their current home for 49 years. Through the years, Don worked for Kabrick Distributing, Sankey's, Buns and Son Construction, Clark's Sawmill and Winnebago Industries. He retired from Winnebago in 1984. He owned and operated various businesses in Britt including Don's Hob Nob, The Krispie Shop, The Timber Inn and Don's Koffee Kup. In recent years he enjoyed running the Little Red Shack at the Hancock County Speedway.

Don loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed cutting and splitting wood and tinkering in his garage. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with people. He was a member of the Britt American Legion and VFW.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Vivian; six children, Diane Eisenman of Britt, Linda Hildman of Britt, John Pletcher and special friend, Darlene Weber of Britt, Connie Pletcher of Mason City, Bonnie Vavrik and her husband, Bill of Britt and Ron Pletcher and his wife, Lilia of San Jose, California; eight grandchildren, Scott Gilbert, Eric Eisenman, Todd Hildman, Michelle Hildman, Kristie Crowder, Daniel Pletcher, Nicholas Pletcher, Karina Pletcher; six great-grandchildren, Joshua Crowder, Christopher Ramos, Jacob Crowder, Hailey Crowder, Logan Brown and Kasey Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Ruth; and his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Amanda Riekena.

©The Garner Leader & Signal 2005