Donald Dean Sliefert

Donald Dean Sliefert, age 79, of Alta, Iowa passed away Sunday, October 25, 2015 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Alta. Burial will follow in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake with full military rites by the Alta VFW Post #6172. Visitation will take place Wednesday, October 28, 2015 from 6-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Donald was born July 8, 1936 to Dolly (Hemn) and Arthur Sliefert in Storm Lake, Iowa. Donald graduated from Storm Lake High School and served four years in the United States Air Force as a jet mechanic. Following his discharge, Donald continued to serve his country in the National Guard. He later became a member of the Alta VFW Post 172. Donald worked at HyGrade Food Products for 24 years and then BilMar Foods for 10 years. After many years of hard work and 15 years at Wells Blue Bunny in LeMars, Iowa he chose to retire at age 70. Donald was a member of the Alta Church of Christ since its inception, serving as a deacon and trustee. Donald loved the Lord with all his heart, and looked forward to serving often with a joyful heart. Donald’s favorite past time consisted of spending time with his family, fishing, rowing boats that had run out of gas, spending time in his garage, visiting with anyone and everyone, being a jokester and never resisting the opportunity to give a finger poke in the ears of others. Donald adored his grandchildren and made sure that their hands were washed following going to the bathroom, making sure all the lights were off, and supplying them with ample amounts of gum to chew at church and elsewhere. Donald was married to his high school sweetheart, Dianne Barber on April 16, 1957. To this union six children were born. Daniel (Traci) Sliefert of Alta, Iowa; Debra (Michael) Swieca of Sugar Grove, Illinois; David (Sammi) Sliefert of Rothschild, Wisconsin; Darci (Steve) Sauter of Alta, Iowa; Darin (Kim) Sliefert of Peoria, Arizona; and Dawn (Greg) Spiess of Rock Rapids, Iowa. Donald was survived by five of his children and their spouses, 28 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, three sisters: Pat Herpst, Mary Hubell, and Shirley (Pete) Desotovich, sisters-in-law Vivian Sliefert and Sharon Sliefert; numerous nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his son Darin Sliefert; parents: Dolly and Arthur Sliefert, his mother-in-law Alice Barber, his brothers: Arthur Jr. Sliefert, Harold Sliefert, and Jim Sliefert, one sister: Betty Kowalski; brothers-in-law Albert “Babe” Herpst and Alvis Kowalski. Donald will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Until we meet again…

Donald Dean Sliefert

July 8, 1936 - October 25, 2015