McQuillen, Donald C.

Donald C. McQuillen, 81, longtime resident of Iowa City died Friday, June 21, 2013, at Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City.

He was born May 26, 1932, in Iowa City, the eldest child of Cyrus and Bernice Butler McQuillen. Don and his family moved to Jefferson, Iowa, in 1934, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1950. From there he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard in 1949 with Co. H, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Inf. Div., and while attending the University of Iowa transferred to the 34th Reconnaissance Co. and the 109th Medical Battalion of the Guard located in Iowa City. He obtained his full commission in 1955 and was discharged from the Guard in 1963 with the rank of first lieutenant.

Don graduated from the University of Iowa in 1955 with a BA degree in Journalism. Following a six year stint with the Iowa City Press-Citizen and brief time as full-time staff assistant officer of the 109th Medical Battalion, he began a career with the University that spanned over 30 years. Beginning as managing editor of the University News Service, associate director of the Office of Public Information and University Relations. Then as director of Publications and retired as assistant director of Health Science Relations in March of 1992.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, having served as an elder and deacon; member of Iowa City Noon Optimist Club, Iowa City Jaycees, the Iowa Antique Radio and History Society, lifetime member of the University of Iowa Alumni Association and Public Relations Society of America.

His family includes his wife, Sandra, whom he married on Sept. 5, 1953, in Jefferson; their two children, Kathryn Norton and her husband, David of Buford, Ga.; son, Scott of Iowa City; daughter-in-law, Rachel Brinton McQuillen of Salt Lake City, Utah; and two grandsons, Corbin and Cullen McQuillen.

Other family includes his sister, Barbara Moore and husband Joe of Boone; brothers, Richard McQuillen and wife Sharon and David McQuillen and wife Pat all of Jefferson; sister-in-law, Susan Cornick of St. Augustine, Fla.; and brothers-in-law, William Cornick and his wife, Bonnie of Creston and Craig Cornick of Boulder, Colo.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date at Wilcox Cemetery in Viola, Iowa.

Don chose as his preferred memorial the Old Capital Endowment Fund, c/o University of Iowa Foundation.

Online condolences may be left for his family through the web at .

Don's family wishes to express their most sincere appreciation for the compassionate and skillful care provided by the many fine people of Briarwood Health Care Center. Thank you!

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Don's family and his arrangements.

Published in The Gazette June 24, 2013.