Van Cura, Donald Edward

Donald Edward Van Cura, 87, of 2540 Kathryn St. SW, Cedar Rapids, died Friday, April 9, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital. Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, April 12, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from noon until time of service Monday. The Rev. Bill Harnish will officiate. Burial will be at Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Military honors provided by American Legion Hanford Post 5.

 Survivors include his daughter, Mary Jane Schulter O'Hara of Marengo; son, Gary E. Van Cura (Diane Moller) of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren, Teresa Pietraz, Julie (Allen) Koenig, Scott Shay and John Shay; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a cousin, Maydean Hunter of Illinois.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edward D. and Maud Van Cura; and his brother, Verne.

Donald was married to Margrette “Peg” Hoyle (Guetzko) on Dec. 19, 1942. They later divorced. Margrette passed away Nov. 25, 2009.

Donald was born Oct. 26, 1922, in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Wilson High School and attended the University of Iowa with a track scholarship and then later Penn State. Donald held the state high school track record for the 60 yard high hurdles for 26 years.

Donald served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the 340th Combat Engineer Battalion attached to the 95th Infantry Division and was a demolition specialist. He served overseas in the European Theater of Operation with General Patton's 3rd Army. He fought in Germany, Belgium, the Ruhr Pocket in Germany and the Battle for Metz in France. He received the Purple Heart from injuries incurred in Saarlautern, Germany.

Donald was a Linn County Deputy Auditor from 1949 to 1959. Donald and Peg ran their own accounting and tax business for several years before becoming controller and chief accounting officer for CRST, Inc. for over 21 years.

Donald loved all sports, participating in football, basketball, track and was a fastball pitcher. He also was an avid golfer most of his life. His most treasured memories are hunting and fishing with his son, Gary, in Wyoming and Iowa. He always enjoyed seeing and loved his family and had a special love for all their Golden Retriever dogs.

Memorials may be directed in Donald's memory to St. Luke's Hospice.

Please sign the online guest book for Donald at under obituaries.