Donald A. DeKlotz (1930-2021)

DEKLOTZ, REISSER, RILEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 12/20/2021 at 10:18:09

DONALD A. "DON" DEKLOTZ Newhall
Donald A. "Don" DeKlotz, 91, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at UnityPoint-St. Luke's Hospice in Cedar Rapids. Private family services will be held with interment at Raetz Cemetery, Atkins, with graveside military rites. A celebration of Don's life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family at 2583 71st St., Newhall, IA 52315. Donald A. DeKlotz, the son of Gilbert and Velma (Reisser) DeKlotz, was born July 15, 1930, at the farm home in rural Newhall, where he resided until his death. He graduated from Newhall High School in 1948. Don was united in marriage to Bonita "Bonnie" Riley on Sept. 6, 1959, at the United Methodist Church in Norway. He was drafted into the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict in 1952. He was a pilot, receiving his flight training in the Navy and then being transferred back to the Marine Corps until his discharge in August of 1956, having attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant. He was proud of his 12 aircraft carrier landings during flight training. He was stationed in Japan as well as various bases in the States. Following his military service, Don was a longtime Newhall area farmer. He met Bonnie at a dance at a ballroom in Fairfax, being introduced by a mutual friend. They were married 62 years. Don was active in the community, being a life member of the Newhall American Legion. He was also a longtime member of Central Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, and was a member of several committees of the Presbytery of Eastern Iowa. He was also a member of the Rural Fire Board and the Treasurer of Raetz Cemetery for close to 50 years. Don is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Steven of Newhall, Brenda (Marty) Sojka of Canon City, Colo., Brian (Becky) of Center Point and Brad (Sherry) of Morning Sun; six grandchildren, Nicole Sojka, Marcus (Kayla) Sojka, Jen Sojka (Kacy Messerschmidt), Michael Sojka (Oana Enache) and Ben and Nick DeKlotz; two great-granddaughters and one great-grandson on the way; one stepgrandchild, Lori Fritcher; three stepgreat-granddaughters, Kaelyn, Brilee and Addison Fritcher; and four sisters, Elsie Mochal, Joyce Wheeler, Barb (Cleyon) Franck and Sherrie (Bob) Bouton. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mark in infancy; and two brothers-in-law, Wayne Mochal and Don Wheeler. Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.
Published by The Gazette on Dec. 20, 2021.