Donald Rae McGowan, age 72, of Alta, Iowa died Saturday, February 25, 2005 at his home in Alta, Iowa.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at St. Mary’s Church in Storm Lake, with Father Bruce Lawler officiating. Inurnment will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2006 at the Fratzke and Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake, where the family will be present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Legion on Mary Rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. and a vigil service held at 7:45 p.m., all at the funeral home.

Donald Rae McGowan was born February 28, 1933 in rural Alta, Iowa to Urany and Elizabeth (Gerjets) McGowan. He spent his childhood and attended school in Alta, Iowa.

On November 28, 1953, Don was united in marriage to Mary Lou Mernin, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Early, Iowa. They were blessed with four daughters; Linda, Sandra, Nancy, and Teresa. Don worked as a car salesman and meat cutter, and was an employee of Hy-grade for 30 years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa. Don served our country in the Army from 1953 until 1955 with service in the Korean War.

Don was a member of the VFW post 6172 of Alta. He also kept busy with his membership to the Alta Golf and Country Club. Don was car enthusiast, and loved working on his lawn as well as his golf game. He was a loving father and husband who most cherished spending time with his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters: Linda Diercks and Husband Mike of Storm Lake; Sandra Nelson and husband Charlie of Alta; Nancy Kramer and husband Kole of Spencer, Iowa; Teresa Peterson and husband Tim of Rembrandt, Iowa; brothers: Merlin and wife Delores of Alta; and Garlan and wife Helen of Alta; sister Karen Gaskill and husband Russ of Alta; grandchildren Shawn Nelson and wife Sabrina; Tina Zimney and husband Corey of Sioux City, Iowa; Heidi Small and husband John of Norfolk, Nebraska; Jason Braunschweig and wife Jenn of Lawton, Iowa; Allen Diercks and wife Amy of Marion, Iowa; Andy Diercks and wife Makala of Marion, Iowa; Nichole Campbell and husband Cory of Castle Rock, Colorado; Kara Kramer of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Jennifer Peterson of Storm Lake; Bradly James Peterson of Ankeny, Iowa; great-grandchildren Troy Small, Taylor Small, Ashley Nelson, Courtney Nelson, Gunner Nelson, Tyson Braunschweig, Alena Diercks, Brady Diercks, Alex Diercks, Mckena Diercks, Cole Campbell, Tyler Johnson, and Ella Zimney; a very special friend; Marilyn Bryant; and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Mary; parents: Elizabeth and Urany McGowan; brothers: Delmer, Bob, and Denny; sister Deloris Lutrell; and great-granddaughter Lexi Johnson.