Donald William Ikier

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, Minnesota 56003 507-388-2288 Donald William Ikier, age 96, died Thursday, May 14, 2015 at his home at Oak Terrace Assisted Living, North Mankato. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Northview and will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Vernon Center Cemetery. Donald was born on April 12, 1919 in rural Vernon Center to Wilhelm and Anna (Kietzer) Ikier. Anna died when Donald was three and his father later married Emma (Malchow) Milbrath. He attended Porter Country School through fifth grade and graduated from Okabena High School, followed by two quarters at the University of Minnesota. He then served with the Army Air Force from 1940-1945, including locations in England, France, Belgium and Germany. Donald was united in marriage to Neva Mabel Crane on June 28, 1946 at the Congregational Church in Pemberton. He farmed near Vernon Center until retiring in 1980 and moving to Mankato. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Vernon Center. Donald was passionate about volunteering: Sunday school teacher, church council, 4-H leader, PTA president, donated over eight gallons of blood, and (along with Neva) 60,000 hours volunteered at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital. They were recognized for their service to the community by receiving the KARE 11 Who Care Award in 2007. He loved to travel and was proud to have driven his own car to 49 states. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening, and needlecraft. Donald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Neva of North Mankato; three children, Kenneth (Pam) Ikier of Rochester, Doris Ikier (Pat) of Eagan, and Marilyn (Douglas) Larson of North Mankato; and two granddaughters, Jamie and Tracy. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother; brother, Elmer (Bernice); stepsister, Ruby; and sister-in-law, Edith Hopman.