Fauser, Don LeRoy

Don LeRoy Fauser, 85, of Elgin, died Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, at Palmer Lutheran Health Center, West Union.

He was born May 29, 1928, to Paul and Helen (Wilbur) Fauser in Oelwein, Iowa. Don graduated from Oelwein with the class of 1946, where he served as senior class president. He was extremely proud to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Don was united in marriage with Dorothy Torkelson on July 24, 1949, at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont. Eight children were born to this union.

Don founded Fauser Oil in March 1950, beginning with a single service station in Elgin. Don's DX was the beginning of his career in petroleum. Later, in the 1970s, the business was expanded to include a wholesale fuel division that is now known as Fauser Energy Resources. Fauser Energy has grown to have a marketing presence in a 12-state area throughout the upper Midwest. Don served on the Petroleum Marketers of Iowa board of directors for 10 years, acting as president for two years, and was a leader in the industry. While serving on the board, he was instrumental in forging the association's long-term alliance with Camp Courageous, a respite care facility for individuals with disabilities, a cause that stayed very close to Don's heart.

Don was also very active in the school and community. He served on the Valley school board as president and was the voice of Valley football games for 58 years. Don was a member of the Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin Lions Club, Elgin American Legion and Community Club, a supporter of the Elgin Medical Clinic and a founding sponsor of the Fayette County Pheasants Forever. Don attended Dale Carnegie Leadership training and was an accomplished public speaker.

Don enjoyed flying (as a licensed pilot, trips in his Cessna were a high-lite when the kids were young), his horses and dogs on the ‘hill,' hunting, fishing, sports (especially his Iowa Hawkeyes), cooking/grilling, cards (continuing to rule the family pfeffer tournaments), watching the wildlife in his backyard, many friends and especially his family, which was always the center of his heart.

Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy of Elgin; five children, Paul (Kendra) Fauser of Elgin, Becky (Bob Strong) Mathews of Elgin, Jill (Dave) Strong of Freeport, Ill., Lisa Wedo of Elgin and Lori (Rod) Marlatt of Elgin; 13 grandchildren, Robin, Vanessa (Chris), Kirk (Angie), Samantha (Lorenzo), Cody, JoDee (Bernie), Jessica (Danny), Jenny (Chris), Jason (Jen), Josh (Wendy), Joe (Lacey), Michael (Jena) and Mallory (Tim); 17 great-grandchildren, Spenser, Andrew, Kenlin, Cole, Charlie, Asami, Samantha, Layla, Max, Ozz, Zach (Bethany), Ethan, Ryan, Madison, Maleah, Jaime and Eva; a brother, Harold “Bud” (Bev) Fauser of North Carolina; three sisters-in-law, Delores Everett, Norma Bloomer and Jan Johansen; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; three children, Mark, Kirk and their little angel; and a sister, Abbie (Wally) Stolfus.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Valley High School gymnasium, Elgin. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, and one hour before services on Saturday. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Elgin Cemetery, with military rites by Elgin American Legion Post 352.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, is helping the family with arrangements.

Published Nov. 6, 2013 in The Gazette