Donald 'Don' Pelechek

DONALD "DON" PELECHEK

Iowa City

Remembering Donald

"Don" Pelechek:

Don was born Aug. 11,

1935, to Mary (Reese) and James Pelechek in Iowa City, Iowa, where he grew up and graduated from Iowa City City High School in 1953. Following high school, Don worked at Ewer's mens store and for the Iowa City Press Citizen. In 1956, Don married Ellen Louise Lehman, and began his career as a lithographer at Moore Business Forms. Don was drafted in 1958 and served two years as a military police officer, 13 months of those two years were spent in Germany. Upon his discharge, Don returned to his career at Moore Business Forms and he and Ellen moved to Coralville, where they would remain long time residents. Don and Ellen could frequently be spotted walking the community in the evenings, always hand in hand. Their devotion to one another lasted over 66 years.

Don served on the Coralville Board of Adjustment and joined the Masonic Lodge (Clarksville No. 668). He remained a loyal Mason for more than 50 years and exemplified what it meant to be a brother.

Don and Ellen had two children, Rick and Leesa. Don loved life with his family. He enjoyed summer camping weekends, bike rides, picnics, family games and annual family vacations, which were often amusement parks where Don would joyfully ride even the fierce roller coaster if his kids were up for it. Don was an avid golfer and played in local leagues at Quail Creek and Brown Deer golf courses until cancer took one of his legs in his 70s. Cancer was a repeating challenge in Don's life. He bravely faced three episodes of different cancer. His attitude remained optimistic and he would remark that each time taught him that where he was at that moment was his new normal. He remained grateful for his life and what he had in spite of what cancer took from him. His smile was genuine and a trait many think of at the mention of him. His strength of character made a lasting impression on family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

Don and Ellen recently moved to a senior living community and made friends quickly. Don quickly became known as a jokester, just as he was known to many.

Don passed away on March 21, 2022, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics following a decline in health and ultimately a fourth episode with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; son, Rick (Julie) Pelechek; daughter, Leesa Pelechek-Elseman; granddaughter, Michelle (Cody) Mead; and grandson, Sam Pelechek.

Don's family will miss him deeply and honor his legacy by living life to the fullest.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City. In lieu of flowers contributions to either the Iowa Masonic Scholarship Endowment Fund or Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center are requested.