Donald Ralph Mentzer, age 89, of Schaller, Iowa, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008, at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt with Rev. Mark Volkers officiating. Burial will be at the Schaller Cemetery.

Visitation is from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller.

Don was born on May 28, 1918, on a farm in Cherokee County, Iowa, to Ralph and Marian (Parker) Mentzer. At the age of nine, the family moved to Sac County to the farm where Ray Mentzer now lives. Don attended a country school near the family farm and Early High School.

On February 6, 1944, Don married Helen Godbersen at the Presbyterian Church in Odebolt, Iowa, where he was a long time member, and served as a Trustee. Four children were born to this union: Donna, Kenneth, Bruce, and Rick.

As a young man, Don started farming with horses, and he was still farming through the 2007 harvest. Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed family reunions. Don especially enjoyed Christmas. A real tree and lighting the fireplace provided a warm and loving homecoming for all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. You could often find him at the feedmill having coffee with his friends. He will be missed by many.

His favorite pastime was restoring antique tractors, which led to a large collection. Including the 1935 John Deere A that was purchased by his father, Ralph as a new tractor. These tractors were proudly displayed at many area celebrations.

Survivors include his wife, Helen; his children: Donna and (Gene) Cedar of Meriden, IA; Ken and (Linda) Mentzer of Holstein; Bruce and (Jackie) Mentzer of Schaller; and Rick and (Brenda) Mentzer of Schaller; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Neil Cedar; Kami (Reggie) Morton and their children Kylei and Braelin; Kent (Tami) Mentzer and their son Kale; Kallie (Matt) Voge and their children McKenzie and Addison; Sara (Chad) Steinkamp and their daughter Josie Ann; Mitchell Mentzer; Ayla (Jim) Alesch; Alyssa Ringgenberg; Austin Mentzer; and Hallie Mentzer. Other survivors include his brothers: Howard (Betty) Mentzer of Nemaha and Raymond (Marilyn) of Early; sister-in-law Hallie Mason; many extended family members; and a host of friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; one great-grandson; two brothers: Homer in infancy and Russell Mentzer and wife Lucille; two sisters and their husbands: Lola and Everett Stoneberg and Joyce and Lee Mason; and two nephews.