Donald A Spracklin

Donald Adelbert Spracklin was born on January 28, 1928 in Portsmouth, Iowa to Elmer and Ellen (Bendon) Spracklin the seventh of eight children. He spent his early childhood in Portsmouth before the family moved to a farm west of Persia, Iowa where he attended grade school and graduated from Persia High School in 1946. Don enjoyed many summers with Aunt Irene and Uncle Owen at Jefferson, Iowa. As a young boy, Don enjoyed playing marbles, going to the movies and girls. He worked at the Persia Milling Company after school, on weekends and during the summer from 1944 until 1948. Don served his country in the United States Army from July of 1948 to September of 1951. He received basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and he was discharged in June of 1950 only to be recalled in September to Camp Carson before being shipped off to Korea. Don married Delores Champlin on September 2, 1950 at the Epworth Methodist Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa and they were blessed with three sons: William Donn, Craig Arlen and Patrick James. Don and Dee raised their family in Council Bluffs, Ashland and Humboldt before settling in Valley in 1962. Don was a partner in Great Plains Service in Ashland and owned and operated Don-Dee Lanes in Humboldt before managing the local propane and fertilizer business in Valley for 35 years. He enjoyed antique furniture, cars and travelling. Don and Dee enjoyed 14 winters in Arizona and many family vacations. Don was active with the Yutan American Legion and VFW, serving with the honor guard, providing burial honors for local veterans. After Dee suffered a stroke, Don was proud to become her full time care giver. Don passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska with his family at his side at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 15 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ellen, granddaughter Nicole and brothers and sisters Ruth, Irene, John, Pauline, Margaret, Max and Frances. Don is survived by his wife Dee; sons and daughters-in-law Bill and Vicki of Valley; Craig and Karen of Valley and Patrick and Stacy of Pleasant Prairie, WI; 5 grandchildren Rebecca, Kristine, Andrew, Sydney and Anna and 1 great grandson Lennon.

Donald A Spracklin

January 28, 1928 - November 12, 2014