Earnest, Donald D. 'Don'

Donald D. “Don” Earnest, 73, of Coralville, died Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at his home.Don chose to be cremated. His family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Lensing Funeral Service, Iowa City, with a memorial service beginning at 7 p.m. The Rev. Kyle R. Otterbein will officiate. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice and the American Cancer Society.

Don was born April 28, 1937, in Milford, Neb., the son of Elmer and Elsie (Stutzman) Earnest. Growing up in Milford and Wayland, Don graduated from Wayland High School. He married Elaine Miller on June 1, 1957, in Wellman, Iowa. Elaine died June 3, 2002.

Don met and later married Karla Neuzil on June 28, 2003 in Coralville.

Moving to Coralville in 1966, Don co-founded S & E Custom Cabinets with Leroy Schrock. He was a partner in the business until 1976, when he became sole proprietor. In 1987, he passed ownership to his son, Kenton. The business was incorporated and currently operates as Essany Custom Cabinetry. He continued to work with his son in the business until his health prevented it.

Don was a loving husband and father and his life revolved around his home and Essany. He loved traveling, mountains, cars and fishing.

Don is survived by his wife, Karla; his children, Michelle Aubrecht (Tom) and Kenton Earnest (Michelle), all of Iowa City, Beth Gray (Dan) of Coralville, and Randy Earnest of Peoria, Ill.; stepsons, Roman Neuzil and Jon Neuzil, both of Iowa City; sisters, Arlene Kremer of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Ina Rediger (Ferman) of Dorchester, Neb.; brother, Ron Earnest (Kelly) of Harpers Ferry; brother-in-law, Lowell Leichty of Coralville; grandchildren, Angel, Justin, Mallory, Kameron, McKenna and Taylor; five great-grandchildren; and the family dog, Max.

His parents; a sister, Ruth Leichty; and a granddaughter, Kourtney, also preceded him in death.

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