Don Biggins

Don Biggins, age 89, of Sheldon, Iowa formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa died Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Sheldon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Burial will follow in the Storm Lake Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. until the beginning of the service at the funeral home. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donald John Biggins was born May 31, 1926 in Storm Lake, Iowa, the son of John and Bernice (Robinson) Biggins. In his youth, Don was baptized and confirmed at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. He attended Hayes Consolidated School, where he graduated in 1944. Don joined the United States Army Air Force in 1944. He served his country through World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945. On October 6, 1946, Don married the love of his life, Lois Reed in Storm Lake. Together, they were blessed with two children, Sherry and Pat. Don was a member of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Storm Lake. In his early years, Don worked as a hog buyer, stationed in Storm Lake and Sheldon. Later, Don worked as a sales representative for Latham Seeds and HyVigor Hybrids. He also was a self-taught carpenter, building over ten homes in the Sheldon, Storm Lake, and Lakeside areas. Throughout his life, Don and Lois traveled to all fifty states, England, and even treated the whole family to a trip to Hawaii. Don and Lois loved camping in the Black Hills, and they spent over twenty-five winters in Arizona. Most of all, Don cherished the memories he made with his family, especially at Christmas. Don will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Sherry (Marlin) Lode of Cherokee, Iowa; Pat (Randy) Merrill of Sheldon, Iowa; grandchildren: Shawna (James) Myers of Johnston, Iowa; Nathan Merrill of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Missy (Chris) Jenness of Cherokee, Iowa; Matt (Rachel) Lode of North Liberty, Iowa; Katie Merrill (special friend, Cody Peterson) of Clarion, Iowa; great grandchildren: Josh and Anna Lode, Carson and Adyson Jenness, Paxton and Rowen Myers; sister-in-law, Joan Reed of Lakeside, Iowa; many nieces and nephews; extended family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; brothers: Melvin (Ruth) Biggins, Clayton (Marian) Biggins; brother-in-law, James Reed; and infant grandson, Mark Lode.

Don Biggins

May 31, 1926 - March 8, 2016