Meder, Dr. Donation (Don) Earl

Dr. Donatian (Don) Earl Meder of Guttenberg, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at the Guttenberg Care Center at the age of 92. Don was born Jan. 27, 1918, in Littleport, the son of Earl and Josephine (Berns) Meder. He grew up on the family farm in Mederville. He attended schools in Mederville and Elkader and graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1942.

Don was united in marriage with Helen Lake on May 24, 1941. He served as a Lieutenant jg Navy dentist with the Marine Corps during World War II on the Pacific front. After the war, he set up his dental practice in Guttenberg, and maintained it for 41 years. Don and Helen raised three children in a caring, loving home. He was a long standing member of St. Mary's Church and the American Dental Association and its Iowa and Dubuque Chapters. Don was a charter member of the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital, Guttenberg Care Center and the Guttenberg Golf and Country Club. He was community minded and was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus fourth degree and the early Sportsmen's Club. He helped Boy Scouts build Adventure Island and served on the first Clayton County Conservation Commission when it acquired Osbourne Nature Park and the Frenchtown Recreation Area.

Don enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid sportsman - hunter, fisherman and golfer. He enjoyed Hawkeye sports, Cubs baseball and NFL football. Don and Helen spent happy times wintering in Arizona and traveling in the U.S. and Europe.

Dr. Meder was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Josephine Meder; and his brother, Jack Meder.

Don is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 69 years, Helen Meder. He leaves three loving children, Mary Helen (David) Grace of Des Moines, Joe (Peg) Meder of Solon, and Jim Meder of Dubuque; eight grandchildren survive, Zach Meder (Megan Jackson), Dr. Lindsey Meder Cowherd (Dr. Chris Cowherd), Chris Meder, Greg Meder (Sarah), Lee Ann Meder and Joseph Grace (Mahalaxmi Majumdar), Michael Grace and Dr. Elizabeth Grace.

Also, he leaves six great- grandchildren, Grace, Mary and Lilly Meder, Abhijay Grace, Madeleine Cowherd and Benjamin Meder; many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Don will be fondly remembered for by all who knew and cared for him.

Arrangements are being handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 207 S. First, Guttenberg, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, and one hour before service at church. Funeral service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Guttenberg, at 10 a.m. Friday, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Guttenberg.

Condolences may be left and a video tribute may be viewed at

In lieu of flowers, plants, statuary, benches and all other gifts, the family would appreciate all memorials to be given to St. Mary's Church or School or the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital.