Wharff, Donald M. – 1917–2011

BOESE, SAYLES, WHARFF

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 6/7/2011 at 13:32:17

Donald M. Wharff, 93, passed away on May 13, 2011, at Brookdale Foxwood Springs, Raymore, Mo.
A memorial service will be at Brookdale Foxwood Springs, Bromwell Hall, on Tuesday, May 31 at 2 p.m. A burial service will follow at New Virginia Cemetery, New Virginia, Iowa, on Wednesday, June 1, at 1 p.m.
Donald will be remembered for his love of life, friendship, faith, service and beautiful singing voice. A devout Christian, Donald was a member of First Christian Church of Minneapolis for 45 years. He sang tenor in the choir and served on the church board and also on the board of the First Christian Church Residence. He sang in quartets for years and continued in the choirs at Raymore Christian Church and Foxwood Springs. He continued to attend church and sing heartily throughout his life. Don also loved the symphony and live theater, attending performances until recently, and was an avid bird watcher and gardener.
Donald was born on Aug. 26, 1917, on a homestead near Atkinson, Neb., to Conard M. and Golda Sayles Wharff. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Newton, Iowa, and he graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1936. Don spent a brief time at Central College, Pella, Iowa, and then went to work for Maytag Co. at the home office in Newton. In 1940, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and during World War II, he was stationed in northern Africa and throughout Europe. He was discharged from the 1340th Engineer Battalion with the rank of Warrant Officer.
Donald married Gretchen L. Boese on May 26, 1946. The couple lived in Minneapolis, Minn., where Donald was proud to manage the Minneapolis branch office of the Maytag Co. He and Gretchen spent the first nine years of their retirement at their home on Briggs Lake, Minn. In 1991, they moved to Foxwood Springs.
He is preceded in death by his wife; his parents and brothers, Kenneth and Keith; brother-in-law, Frederick Boese; nephew, William Boese; and many dear friends. Survivors include four nieces, one nephew, four grand-nieces and one grand-nephew, many great-grand nieces and nephews, and many good friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Fellowship of John, Brookdale Foxwood Springs, P.O. Box 1400, Raymore, MO 64083.
Source: Newton Daily News; Wed., May 25, 2011