MODLIN, Donn C. (1937-2017)

MODLIN

Posted By: Karon King (email)
Date: 5/31/2017 at 00:32:39

Donn C. Modlin
(March 2, 1937 - April 22, 2017)

Donn C. Modlin passed with peace on April 22, 2017 at the age of 80. Donn was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 50 years, Julia Ann (Myrland) Modlin, along with his parents, Morris and Nina Modlin, and infant sister, Carolyn Jo. He is survived by his son, Scott (Cindy), his grandson, Aaron, and daughter, Jill Houle.
Donn was raised in Eldora, Iowa and lived his childhood at the Eldora State Training School campus where his parents worked. He developed the love for music and playing the oboe so pursued a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Music Education from Drake University. During his university years, Donn took a hiatus from education to join the United States Army. He served in Germany for 27 months with the 3rd Infantry Division. After returning from the service, Donn married his college sweetheart in 1960. In 1962, Donn began his 32 year career with the Indianola Community Schools where he taught high school and middle school students the art of playing band instruments for pure joy and possibly as a vocation. Many of his students are teaching music and playing professionally across the United States. No matter the skill level of his student, Donn encouraged a love and understanding of music, hard work, and nurtured the concept of teamwork. There is no doubt that most of Donn’s students are successful, contributing members of our society. His youngest student is Brady Kolosik, who is currently an Indianola High School senior, while likely his oldest students are approaching their mid 70s. Donn shared pride in his students’ accomplishments - even this month as Brady earned a top rating for his saxophone solo.
Donn encouraged his children to explore the world around them and to create experiences for themselves and for others. He made sure that his family learned to camp, to develop of a love of the mountains and the state of Colorado where his family vacationed for several weeks each summer. Donn and Julie spent their retirement years between Apache Junction, Arizona and at home in Indianola for the summers. Julie talked Donn into a Caribbean cruise in the early 1990s, and Donn talked Julie into a return trip to Germany in 1986. Donn so loved Germany along with the German language. He dreamed of being able to share that with his wife.
Before and after retirement, Donn took a seat and allowed another to direct while playing a variety of instruments for the Iowa Military Veterans Band. During the winter months in Arizona, he was a member of approximately ten different bands featuring swing music, the pops, jazz, and some classical.
Donn will be missed by his family, his colleagues, his friends, and the many youth he influenced as a teacher. His family holds gratitude and love for Indianola’s Vintage Hills and Good Samaritan Nursing Home where care included continuing to ensure that Donn felt safe, at home, and meaningfully important.
A Celebration of life service for both Donn and Julie Modlin will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 26 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with visitation held one hour prior to service. Donn and Julie will be buried together in their final place of rest at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, [http://www.overtonfuneral.com/]