Rempp, Donald M. 1918-2013

REMPP, MACY, LINCOLN OHALLORAN, WYATT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 8/21/2014 at 15:07:59

The Poweshiek County CR
Jan. 1, 2014

DONALD M. REMPP, 95

Donald M. Rempp, 95, died on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at the Mayflower Community Health Care Center in Grinnell.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Burial was at Westfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may directed to the Westfield Cemetery Association or to PALS.

Don was born on March 22, 1918, to Earl Andrew and Lorella Macy Rempp in Barnes City. A couple of years later, the family moved to Montezuma and he graduated from Montezuma High School. Don grew up on the family farm, south of Montezuma.

During WWII, Don was called to serve his country and was inducted into the United States Army, as a radio operator. After his service, he returned home to the family farm. He helped on the farm, but spent the majority of his life as a carpenter. He built over 300 houses in the central Iowa area.

After a blind date, he married Lauretta Marie Lincoln on Feb. 22, 1944, at the United Methodist Church in Montezuma. To this union was born one son, Thomas. They moved to Grinnell in 1950, where he worked as a carpenter for Grinnell College, retiring at the age of 75.

Don enjoyed his player piano. He tended to his vegetable garden and canned his produce. The picnics with the wienie roasts were his favorite. His family expanded when he met Esther O'Halloran. They spent much time together and enjoyed each other's company.

Don is survived by his son, Tom (Donna) Rempp of Grinnell; and many of Esther's family whom he loved dearly, including Gitta O'Halloran of Scottsdale, Ariz., Leland (Kathy) O'Halloran of Ft. Dodge, and Betty O'Halloran of Malcom; and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lauretta, on May 21, 1985; his good friend, Esther O'Halloran; his brother, Alvin Rempp; his sister, Glema Wyatt; and part of his surrogate family, Laverne and Duane O'Halloran.