Jay Weston Donaldson (1925-2019)

DONALDSON, WINTERMANTEL, BURGASON, CLYDE, CRUISE

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:11

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

Jay Weston Donaldson, 93, died Thursday, June 6, 2019. Jay had been living with family over the past year and a half but had recently moved to Northridge Village for assisted care living. His passing was from natural causes and occurred shortly after a nice visit from family members on Thursday. During his brief stay there, Jay found new friendship with someone from his hometown of Milford, IA.

Visitation will be from 4:30 – 6:30 P.M. Friday, June 14, 2019 and services will follow at 6:30 P.M., both occurring at Adams Funeral Home, located at 502 Douglas in Ames. Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Okoboji Cemetery in Arnolds Park, Iowa.

Jay was born June 15, 1925, to Evelyn and Lou Donaldson in Milford, Iowa. He graduated from high school in Milford, Iowa and joined the Navy Air Corps during WWII. Jay trained to be a pilot in South Carolina. Fortunately, the war ended while he was still in pilot training and Jay went on to attend college in Boulder, Colorado where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating from college, Jay lived in Des Moines, Iowa, where he met his wife, Lois Wintermantel. They were married in 1951 and settled in Jay's hometown of Milford, Iowa and started a manufacturing business, Milford Engineering. He invented/manufactured many products during this time including the “Tell-a-Story” slide projector, medical finger splints, a weed whip for yard care and an innovative three-wheeled golf cart. All five of their children were born during the 14 years they lived in Milford.

In 1965, they moved their family to Ames, Iowa and lived there for 10 years where He worked for Bourns and then became the plant manager for Hach Chemical. In 1975, Jay and Lois moved to Cedar Rapids where they spent the next 26 years. Jay was employed by Rockwell Collins from 1975 - 1992. While working at Rockwell Collins, Jay received an MBA degree and was awarded several US patents for his engineering designs. In 2001, they returned to Ames to be closer to family and friends.
Jay was an avid golfer with a low handicap. At 66, Jay finished second in the 65 and older golf event at the inaugural Iowa Games. He also went on to win the 65 and older triathlon. He shared his passion for golf and exercise with his children. Many were surprised to learn he had achieved 7 hole-in-ones during his lifetime. He was also a popular member of the Ames Golf and Country Club where he enjoyed playing with friends several times a week and continued to play into his 90’s.

Jay was also a dedicated husband to his wife, Lois. He took loving care during her extended illness, which allowed her to stay at home until her death in 2009. His commitment was inspirational. Jay was a humble man and had a gentle nature and quiet charm. He also had a great sense of humor that would catch you off guard. The kids and grandkids appreciated his wide smile as he told them stories of the past. He found great enjoyment in following his grand kid’s participation in sports and would attend all their local events. Jay will be missed by everyone he knew.

Jay is survived by his two daughters: Anne Burgason and her husband Steve; Mary Clyde and her husband Todd; three sons: Lee Donaldson and his wife, Carla; Mark Donaldson and his wife, Sue; Jack Donaldson and his wife, Barbara; nine grandchildren, Casee Burgason-Cruise and her husband, Spencer, Andrew Burgason and his wife, Ashley, Jordan Burgason and his wife, Emma, Bonnie Sue Donaldson, Bethany Anne Donaldson, Mary Grace Donaldson, Ryan Clyde, Rachel Clyde, Elliot Clyde; and six great-grandchildren, Conrad, Max, James, Josie, Ruby and Banks.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for the family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Refuge or the Matthew 25 House.

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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