Donald E. Stoffer

Donald E. Stoffer, 96, of Belmond passed away Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City.

Memorial services for Don Stoffer will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 3^rd Avenue Northeast in Belmond, with Pastor Dawn Pederson officiating. Burial will take place in the Belmond Cemetery.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Disabled American Veterans, or the charity of choice.

Donald Edward, son of George Stoffer and Mattie (Blau) Riekens was born on April 4, 1922 in Alexander. Don grew up in Alexander and graduated from Alexander High School. After high school, Don enlisted in the US Marine Corps on May 23, 1940 during peace time. He served in the Pacific Theater from July 1, 1942 to September 30, 1944 and April 14, 1945 to August 18, 1945. He was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in action on Tulagi on August 13, 1942. On June 12, 1945, he suffered a traumatic brain injury on Guadalcanal earning a Gold Star in lieu of a second Purple Heart. He was also awarded a Presidential Unit Citation with three Stars. He served in several campaigns including: Tulagi, Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa, and Guadalcanal. After eighteen months of hospitalization followed by intensive therapy, he was honorably discharged on August 20, 1946, but “once a Marine always a Marine”. HOORAH!

After returning home, Don worked for General Mills/Central Soya until his retirement.

On May 31, 1946, Don was united in marriage to Arlene Eide in Mason City while Don was on a medical pass from the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. They resided in Belmond all of their married life while raising their three daughters.

Don was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Belmond sports teams and watching collegiate and professional sports, especially the Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He enjoyed being President of the General Mills Men’s Club and had a reputation of giving the best comedic speeches in the state. In his younger years he played golf competitively with that strong left arm. After retirement and into his early 90’s he enjoyed transporting people to their doctor appointments, dialysis, shopping, and visiting friends. He never met a stranger and made friends wherever his journeys took him. Don’s grandchildren, their spouses, and especially his great grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy.

Don is survived by his three daughters: Darlene (Bill) Jenison of Lakeville, Minnesota, Rebecca (Bob) Devereaux of Orange, California, and SueAnn (Jim) Schroer of Lakeville, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Troy (Julie) Jenison, Chad (Charmaine) Jenison, Anna (Michael) Jacobson, Jacqueline Devereaux, and Matthew Schroer; four great-grandchildren: Neil and Liam Jenison, and Reid and Elise Jenison; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Dorothy Weir.

He is preceded in death by his wife Arlene and his parents.