Gansen, Donald F. 1929 - 2011

GANSEN, RICHARDSON, KURTZ, BRONNER, TUTTLE, BROWN, OBRIEN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/17/2016 at 14:03:20

Donald F. “Don” Gansen, 82, of Clear Lake, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, entered his heavenly home on Dec. 17, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, Mason City. Don was born July 13, 1929, in Elma, Iowa to William and Loretta (Richardson) Gansen. He helped on the family farm and with the family’s sand and gravel business. On Feb. 20, 1950, Don married the love of his life, Doris Kurtz, in Chester, and together they raised six children. Don worked in the mines on Gilmore City before moving to Clear Lake in 1961. He then worked with Carlson Construction working on many local highways and interstates. Don worked for Clear Lake (Buttertop) Bakery as a mechanic until he retired. Don enjoyed spending time with his family. He liked staying busy with gardening, woodworking, watching sports and having coffee with friends. A long-time Clear Lake resident, Don was a member of the Noon Lions Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Don and Doris also enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Arkansas, taking in shows, enjoying the flowers and watching the wildlife around the yard. Don was a good man and he will forever be in the hearts of those who knew him. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother; his brother-in-law, Robert Bronner; his daughter-in-law, Connie Gansen; and his granddaughter, Nichol Gansen. Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 61 years, Doris of Clear Lake and his children, Fran Gansen of Mason City, David (Kathy) Gansen of Cedar Rapids, Richard Gansen of Clear Lake, Brenda Tuttle of Mason City, Ken (Elaine) Gansen of Jewell and Kathy (Steve) Brown of Clear Lake. He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; one godchild, Danial O’Brien of Elma; brothers Robert (June) Gansen of Rochester, Minn. and James of Bolivar, Mo.; a sister, Lois Bronner of Lime Springs; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral Mass was held Thursday, Dec. 22, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clear Lake, with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling officiating. Interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Don Gansen Memorial Fund.

Source: Lime Springs Herald Dec. 29, 2011