Dominy, Donald David -- 1924 - 2006

FINN, DOMINY, HOWARD, CONZETT, COOK, MICHAELSON, JIRELE, CHRISTIANSEN, MCCARVILLE

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/28/2006 at 19:09:57

Donald David Dominy

Donald David Dominy, 81, of Waverly, Iowa, died Wednesday afternoon, June 21, 2006 at the Waverly Health Center following an apparent heart attack.

He was born on November 16, 1924 in Emmet County, Iowa, near Estherville, the son of Harry L. (Sam) & Julia (Finn) Dominy. He was baptized and confirmed at the Catholic Church in Estherville, attended the Maple Hill School System and graduated from Maple Hill High School in 1942. Don’s father suffered a broken back, so Don helped run the farm until his father regained his health. He then attended Estherville Junior College and also worked as a “stringer” for the Estherville Daily News, covering sporting events and also reporting on social issues of the time. Following Junior College he enrolled at the University of Iowa where he studied until serving in the Korean War a year later.

Following his discharge, Don returned to the University of Iowa, completing his degree in 1953. He then accepted a position to teach History at Postville High School, Postville, Iowa. He met second grade teacher Shirley Howard and four years later, on August 31, 1957 they were united in marriage at St. Peter Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa. In 1960 they moved to Clear Lake, Iowa and Don taught history for Clear Lake High School. In 1962, they moved to Richfield, Minnesota and Don attended the University of Minnesota. In 1963, the family moved to Waverly and Don taught History for the Waverly-Shell Rock High School until his retirement in 1988, following 35 years in the teaching profession.

He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly. Don loved to read, work crossword puzzles, was an avid sports fan, embraced technology, and enjoyed working with his computer. Don biked, gardened, and refinished furniture. He loved to learn about the world around him, constantly studying and researching.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Waverly; his four daughters: Jane (David) Conzett of Mariemont, Ohio, Jill (Steven) Cook of Perry, Iowa, Susan Michaelson of Iowa City, Iowa, Mara (Bob) Jirele of Worthington, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Graham Conzett, Evan Conzett, April Cook, Elizabeth Cook, Emma Jirele, Matthew Jirele; one brother, Raymond Dominy of Dubuque, Iowa; two sisters, Jeanne Dominy of Des Moines, Iowa and Betty (Dale) Christiansen of Audubon, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Leona McCarville and one brother, Russell Dominy.

Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2006, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waverly, with Rev. Mike Tauke presiding. Burial following cremation was in the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Building Fund or to the Waverly Public Library.

Postville Herald-Leader, June 28, 2006