Clear Lake – Donald “Don” Pinkele, 74, of Clear Lake, passed away on Monday, February 10,
2025, at Oakwood Care Center, surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Clear Lake
United Methodist Church, 508 2 nd Ave North, Clear Lake, Iowa; with Rev. Sylvester Holima
officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take
place at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Muscular Dystrophy in his memory.
Donald was born on October 2, 1950, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Louis and Geneva (Gearhart)
Pinkele. He was raised on a farm east of Eagle Grove, where he attended school and excelled in
wrestling. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School, he continued his education at Iowa
Central Community College, where he helped start their wrestling program. He later earned his
business degree from Buena Vista College, while working a variety of jobs.
On June 11,1973, Donald was united in marriage to Louise Jeanette Nelson, and together they
were blessed with two sons, Andrew and Adam.
Donald worked as an activity director at group homes in Fort Dodge and Osceola before
dedicating himself to caring for his disabled son at home.
He is survived by his wife, Louise; son, Andrew (Caitlin); grandchildren, Samantha, Jolet,
Corbin, Kaiser, and Elara; sister, Donna Gonzalez; and sisters-in-law, Jeanine Pinkele, Eileen
Nelson, Debbie Nelson; brothers-in-law, Jim Nelson, Art Nelson, Mike Nelson, Merlyn Nelson;
along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Adam; brother, Douglas; parents, Geneva and Louis; and
sister-in-law Rose Herrmann.
Funeral services are entrusted to Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel Colonial Chapel,310 First Ave
North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. (641) 357-2193 www.colonialchapels.com
