Don Glenn Brownlee (2019)

BROWNLEE, GAST, HOCHSTETLER, JOHNSTON, NEHRING, OLDENKAMP, PALMER, PAYNE, WARNER, WOOD

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 8/4/2024 at 09:35:17

Kale Funeral Home
Osceola & Truro, Iowa
June 2019

Don Glenn Brownlee was born to Bruce Glenn and the late Mary Margaret (Warner) Brownlee on August 5, 1960 in Winterset, Iowa, he was the fourth of 7 children. He passed from this life on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa having reached the age of 58 years, 10 months, and 16 days.

Don received his education from Interstate 35 High School and graduated in 1978. Don and Cheryl grew up just down the road from each other, but it wasn’t until 1979 that they began to actually like each other. Cheryl decided to attend a dance with her cousin Chris and Don happened to be there. Don and Cheryl were united in marriage on June 26th, 1982 at the St. Charles Parish Church in St. Charles, IA. To this union, Don and Cheryl were blessed with three children, Jordan Glenn, Spencer Gale, and Torrie Lynn.

Don began his working career as a hired farm hand in southern Iowa. In 1981, he went to work for Diamond Animal Health as a large animal technician. After 20 years of service, Don decided to make a career change and went to work for LaFarge N.A. Cement Company in Des Moines, Iowa working as a terminal operator. Don finished his working career as an Assistant Terminal Manager for Central Plains Cement in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

Don was a Master Mason and member of the Model Lodge #315 A.F.& A.M. for past 37 years. He received his 32 degree in 2015 at the Valley of Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple, in Guthrie, Oklahoma along with his (2) brothers in law, Richard and Jason Palmer and was mentored by his father-in-law, Troy Wood.

Don was very active and enjoyed serving on the Madison County Cattleman's Association board of directors. In 2015, he received the “Cattleman of the Year” Award. Don also served on the Truro City Council and spent 15 years as 4-H leader of the Ohio Future Feeders. He proudly served as a FFA Alumni and stayed active with the local chapters.

Don loved agriculture and his life revolved heavily around it. He was a man that was widely recognized as a “Skilled cattlemen” and he was always quick to share his knowledge and experiences with anyone. He demonstrated a sense of loyalty, honesty, and his work ethic was unmatched. Witty and entertaining, Don had a gift with people. Over the years, he met people from all over the U.S. and from all walks of life. Basing his life on experience, he could be counted on to help others in all farming situations, share generously, and love every person wholeheartedly. Married for 37 years ago today, his love and devotion to his family was evident to all that knew him. No member of his family ever doubted his love.

Don was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud Papa who absolutely adored his family. Together, Don and Cheryl enjoyed making countless trips to Kansas and Oklahoma and loved attending the events of their grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Rarely, did Don miss an activity, if he did, he would expect a full report via phone of the entire event. Don loved nothing more than simply being a part of his family's lives and spending quality time with them, no matter if it was around the table, around the bonfire, on the ballfield, or in the cattle and pig barns. He was a selfless, hardworking man, who never lost track of the most important thing in his life, his family.

His strong will and encouragement will always be present in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Indeed, this world has lost a great man, but God has gained a very determined angel.

Don leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Cheryl (Palmer) Brownlee of Van Wert, IA; son, Jordan and wife Kyra of Van Wert, IA; son, Spencer and wife Klaci of Ft. Supply, OK and daughter, Torrie Johnston and husband Chris of Longton, KS. Grandchildren, Teegin Brownlee, Braxton Brownlee, Tinsley Johnston, Kreason Johnston, and Kennedy Brownlee. Father, Bruce (Elinor) Brownlee of West Des Moines, IA; sister, Sue Brownlee of Austin, TX, sister, Karen (Alan) Gast of Manhattan, KS, brother, Mark (Julie) Brownlee of New Virginia, IA, sister, Janis (Russ) Hochstetler of Winterset, IA; sister, Sara (Dale) Oldenkamp of Slater, IA; and sister-in-law, Lisa Jean Brownlee of Saint Charles, IA. Mother-in-law, Dixie Palmer-Wood of Weatherford, OK; brother-in-law, Richard (Robin) Palmer of Thomas, OK; brother-in-law, Jason (Amy) Palmer of Leedey, OK and sister-in-law, Jennifer (Rick) Payne of Thomas, OK. Aunt Pat Nehring of St. Charles, IA, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Those relatives who preceded Don in death were his mother, Mary Margaret Brownlee, brother, Van Bruce Brownlee, father-in-law, Gale Palmer, father-in-law, Troy Wood, and uncle, Carl Christopher Nehring.

Don was very active in the community which included being a long-standing member Madison County Cattlemen on the Board of Directors, Masonic Lodge 315, St. Charles, Shriners, Guthrie Oklahoma, 4-H Leader, FFA Alumni, Iowa Simmental Association, American Simmental Association, he served on the Truro City Council, and a member of the Methodist Church in Murray, among other civic organizations. Tug of War Team and Slow Pitch Coed Softball.

The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the staff at Mercy Coletta Cancer Center in Oklahoma City and the staff at Unity Point (Iowa Methodist Medical Center) in Des Moines. They provided Don with continuous support and compassion allowing him to have lasting respect and dignity especially during his final days.

Don’s greatest treasure was and always will be his family. He knew we were not perfect but he loved the us with all his heart.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family for a tribute to be decided at a later time.

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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