Donald H. Danneman

Donald H. Danneman, 92, of Decorah, formerly of Monticello, died Monday, November 7, 2011, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, rural Monticello, where friends may call after 9 a.m. Interment will be in Wayne Zion Cemetery. The Rev. Ellery Dykeman will officiate at the services. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, is in charge of the arrangements.

Surviving are three children, Joan (David) Long, Postville, Judith Danneman, Decorah, and Luther (Anna) Danneman, Ames; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Johanna; a son, Paul; a great-grandson, Torin Long; a brother, Dale; and a sister, Dorothy.

Donald Herman Danneman was born January 23, 1920, at Amber, Iowa, the son of Otto and Emma (Behrends) Danneman. He received his early education in the Amber schools. He graduated from the Anamosa High School, attended Iowa State University and graduated with a B.A. in education from Wartburg College in Waverly. He served in the Merchant mariners as an engineer during World War II. Donald married Johanna Kehren on October 21, 1945, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. The couple farmed in the Amber area. Donald started an Alfalfa Dehydration business. He built and operated dehydration plants in Muscatine and Iowa City as well. Donald returned to education and was a 7th and 8th grade teacher and principal for several years.

The couple later moved to Manning, Iowa, before moving to Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada, with the Alfalfa business. In Canada he diversified and started raising leaf cutter bees that helped pollinate the alfalfa. He operated his bee business until a few years ago.

Johanna preceded him in death on August 21, 1992.

Don was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. He was baptized on February 29, 1920, and confirmed his faith on March 25, 1939, at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. Donald had belonged to the Monticello Rotary Club and the Leaf Cutter Bee Association.

For the past six months, Donald was cared for by his daughter Judy.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.