Hummel, Donald Hugh – 1925-2018

CLIFFORD, DITTMER, FISHER, GRAY, HUGHES, HUMMEL, MAKI, NOE

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:30

Donald “Don“ Hummel, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home Saturday, March 24, 2018.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 4 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Friends may also call at Pence-Reese Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. The family will not be present at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Newton.
Don was born in Newton, June 19, 1925, to Hoyes and Martha (Clifford) Hummel and was a lifelong resident of Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1944, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving aboard both the USS Nassau and USS Sitkoh Bay. After his discharge in 1946, he attended A.I.B. in Des Moines, and married Betty Noe April 26, 1952.
Don worked as an industrial engineer at Maytag for 17 years. He then purchased Cliffs Restaurant & Lounge from his older brother where he, Betty and their family operated this local favorite for the next 17 years. After closing Cliffs, Don worked at Windpower Manufacturing and Clow Manufacturing in Oskaloosa before retiring. He also bartended for the Newton Izaak Walton League for several years, until age 90.
He was a longtime member of Newton American Legion Post #111 and V.F.W. Post #1655, was a 27 year member of Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, was a dedicated member of Sacred Heart Church and the Msgr. TJ McCann Council of The Knights of Columbus, and had served as manager of the Elks Club #1270. On March 20, 2018, Don was awarded the Judge John W. Tobin Chapter Volunteer Appreciation Award for 2017 from the Izaak Walton League. He served as Grand Marshall of the 2015 Fourth of July Parade. He was a founding member of the “The Last Man’s Club,” consisting of 20 WWII vets who gathered once a year to remember. He was well-known as a strong supporter of the Ronald McDonald House. (Pop tabs)
Don enjoyed playing and watching golf, was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan, loved old movies and listening to big band music, followed his grandkids activities and most importantly, cherished having all his family gathered around for Sunday meals and games.
Don is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty; seven children, Shari (Dale) Maki, Lynnette (Dan) Fisher, Becky (Matt) Dittmer; Jeff (Karen) Hummel, Dan (Angie) Hummel, David (Kathy) Hummel and Randy (Linda) Hummel; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Don was preceded in death by his parents; twin sisters, Judy Gray and Jane Hughes; brother, Cliff Hummel; and granddaughter, Haley Marie Hummel.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Emerson Hough Chapter of the Izaak Walton League or Newton American Legion Post #111.
Don will be remembered for his strong faith, his devotion to his family, his love for youth, his willingness to help anyone in need, his incredible sense of humor and amazing “Donnie-isms,” his daily walks around town and his dedication to all things Newton.
Online condolences and tributes may be left at mclarensresthavenchapel.com.
Source: Newton Daily News; March 29, 2018