Donald J. Hunst

Donald Joseph Hunst, age 80, of Clarion, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, July 21, 2007 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion, with Fr. Chris Podhasjky officiating.  Interment will take place in St. John’s Cemetery, Clarion. A visitation will take place from 5-8 PM, Friday, July 20, 2007 at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, Clarion, Iowa, 50525, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The Knights of Columbus will hold a Rosary Service at 5:00P.M. on Friday at the funeral home. Joe Hunst was born in Belmond, Iowa on April 7, 1927 to Remie and Pauline Hunst.  He grew up on farms in the Belmond and Galt areas before moving to Clarion, where his father worked.  He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, serving in the European Theater of Operations, assigned to the Medical Corps of the 9th Division, Third Army.  Following the war, Joe returned to Clarion, where he was the parts manager for Sampson's Ford Dealership until it closed in 1959.  He met his future wife, Irene Blass during this time and they were married in 1954.  They had three children, Steve, Gary and Jeanie.  He later worked in the Ford Dealership in Eagle Grove for two years, and then started a sales career covering Northeast Iowa selling truck parts.  In 1989 he retired from sales, and, as his "retirement job," managed the operation of the Clarion Area Transit (CAT) vans until 1996.  He moved into the Iowa Veteran's Home (IVH) in 2001 after experiencing significant health problems, where he resided until his death.  Joe was blessed during his stay in the IVH with frequent visits and special outings with his nephew Mike Hunst and wife Ranay of Marshalltown. Joe was a life-long member of the Catholic Church (50 year + member of St. John's Parish in Clarion), member of the Knights of Columbus (Past Grand Knight, 1961 KC Bowling State Champ), lifelong member of Lions International (past District Governor, District 9x2), a member of Toastmasters, and a longtime member of the Clarion VFW Chapter, Post 2612 (past Post Commander).  Joe served his local community for several years as a member of the Clarion City Council.  Joe was also an avid league bowler, and was very successful in various local and regional tournaments. He is survived by Irene, his wife of 53 years; brother Gene (Sally) Hunst (Aiken, South Carolina); his three children, Steve (Mary Jo) Hunst (Park Ridge, IL); Gary (Marsha) Hunst (Gardners, PA); and Jeanie Hill (Indianola, IA); 7 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.  His parents, his brother Leo and one infant sister preceded him in death.