Donald “Don” Calkins

Donald “Don” Calkins

Iowa City

On July 9, 2025, Donald “Don” Calkins, 97, passed away peacefully in Solon, Iowa.

Don was born in Iowa City, to Seth Allen Calkins and Dorthy (Bittner) Calkins on March 12, 1928. He went to City High School and graduated in 1946. Don attended the University of Iowa for one year, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, he had to give up both school and his campus greenhouse position to work full time in order to support his mother. Don served in the Army during the Korean War for two years, from 1950 to 1952, as a Corporal in Communications. He married the love of his life, Betty Marie (Hochstetler) Calkins from Kalona, Iowa in 1953. They were married for 57 years before her unfortunate passing in 2010. Don never really recovered from this heartbreaking loss.

Don worked for John Hancock Life Insurance Company for 28 years. He earned his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter). He was named Man of the Year

twice, and qualified for the Honor Club and the Presidential Club numerous times. Don was well respected by his clients for being an honest and compassionate insurance agent. Many considered him a friend. On many occasions he paid the premium for a client in need so they would not lose their policy. Don would also bring food to client families who needed help. During his career at Hancock, he was also involved with the Jaycees for many years.

Before Don’s retirement, and moreso after, he was a buyer and seller at auctions and vintage flea markets, with Betty often by his side. He bought and sold in many states from Iowa to Texas to New England. He missed this life deeply once he stopped traveling. Don was also an avid metal detectorist well into his 90’s. He and Betty in their earlier years would travel all over the country to take part in metal detecting competitions, which they often won. Many treasures were found and shared with others.

Don planned many Sunday adventures for his four daughters throughout their childhood: hunting rabbits and pheasants (and gun safety), to search for delicious John Morel mushrooms in the woods while carrying a long stick to protect them from snakes and wearing a nail apron for the mushrooms, searching for geodes, fossils, arrowheads, black hickory nut trees, walnut trees, bittersweet for Betty, golf balls on golf courses, and other precious things. Don always enjoyed a good tenderloin and was always on the hunt for the best one, along with his family. He also loved crispy onion rings and coconut cream pie. Don’s nickname in high school and during the war was Sniklac and he often signed his name Fred Blossom Bloom with his family.

Don was predeceased by his parents; stepfather, “Curly” (Cyril) Hanrahan; his brothers: Lawrence, Willis, and Terry; as well as his twin sisters, Delores and Doris.

Don leaves behind four loving, grieving daughters: Sherri Stastny (Doug), Linda Calkins Stutzman (the late Scott), Charlene Everett (Ted), and Vala Calkins. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held for family members in the future. If you would like to make a donation in Don’s name, please make it to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).