Donald Frank Gapinski

Donald Frank Gapinski

Independence

Donald Frank Gapinski passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years old, on Sept. 15, 2023, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living in Independence, Iowa, with his children by his side.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 217 N. Garnavillo St., Anamosa, Iowa. Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Luncheon following in the church basement. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery with military rites by the Olin Legion. Entrusted with the arrangements is Iowa Cremation.

Don was born on Feb. 3, 1931, in Quasqueton, Iowa, the son of Frank and Vera (Melick) Gapinski. Don grew up on a farm outside of Quasqueton and graduated from Quasqueton High School. He served in the Army from 1952-54 during the Korean War. After returning from service, Don met Florence Rosenbaum, who was substitute teaching at the Quasqueton school, and they were married on Oct. 9, 1954. Don was a farmer, semi-truck driver, Oscar Meyer Hog Buyer, and Purina Feed Dealer.

After retirement, Don and Florence bought a small farm north of Olin, where Don enjoyed raising livestock and baling hay with his son, Matt. Don and Florence enjoyed time with their grandchildren, traveling, boating on the Mississippi, and spending their winters in McAllen, Texas. Don and Florence were blessed with 66 years of marriage before her passing in 2020.

Don is survived by his children, Matt (Gwyn) Gapinski and Sarah (Scott) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Paige Moore (Kevin), Nic (Cassi) Zimmerman, Tony (Kylie) Zimmerman and Dylan Gapinski; eight great-grandchildren, Amaryllis Zimmerman, Rhett Zimmerman, Emalyn Zimmerman, Lucas Gapinski, Brynnlee Zimmerman, Waylon Zimmerman, Olivia and Victoria Moore; brother, Dave (Sandy) Gapinski; sister-in-law, Ione Hartley; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Florence; parents; sister/brother-in-law, Ruth and John Donnelly; nephews, Dick and Mike Donnelly; great-nephew, Burns Mossman; father-in-law, John Rosenbaum; brother-in-law/sister-in-law, Harold and LuVerne Rosenbaum; sisters-in-law, Gertrude Kuhn and Helen (Sister Ignatia) Rosenbaum.

Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Margo Schilling and Monica Rich at the Iowa City VA Health Care System; the entire staff at Prairie Hills Independence; Dr. McCormick and Joni Henderson ARNP at BCHC; Jordan, Gin and Amy with Cedar Valley Hospice and Father David Beckman. We are truly touched by your compassionate care of our father during such a difficult time of saying good-bye to him.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Cedar Valley Hospice/Independence or Prairie Hills Independence.

Online condolences are welcome at www.iowacremation.com under obituaries.