Don Gottschalk

DON EDWARD GOTTSCHALK

Cedar Falls

Don Edward Gottschalk, 77, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, surrounded by loving family after fighting a 20-year long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born at the family farm in Elkader, Iowa, on Sept. 26, 1943, the son of Elmer and Leona (Gusta) Gottschalk. He graduated in 1959 from Elkader Central High School, then attended the University of Iowa, where he received his Juris Doctor Law Degree in 1967.

Don began his career as law clerk to Theodore Garfield, Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court. The Judge introduced him to Sara Lee Malone of Ames, Iowa. The Vietnam War and Don's enlistment in the Iowa National Guard speeded up their courtship. They were married in Ames on April 28, 1968. They moved to Cedar Falls in 1969, where he began practicing law, eventually opening and running his private practice until he retired in the fall of 2020.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Deborah Gottschalk; and his brother-in-law, Jack Grimes.

He is survived by his beloved older sister, Elaine Grimes.

Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years and his children, daughter, Laura Logan of Woodstock, Ga., granddaughters, Madison and Makenna; his son, David Gottschalk of Waterloo, granddaughter, Emma, David's girlfriend Patricia Hughes, her children Morgan, Connor and Alaina, and stepgrandsons. Brendan and Austin. He will be forever dearly remembered by his in-laws and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and dear friends.

He is deeply loved and missed. The family will be holding a private memorial service but you are invited to view virtually at www.facebook.com/

cedarheightspres. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to the Cedar Falls Rotary Club, Cedar Valley Hospice or the charity of your choice.