Donald H. Fahrenkrug

Donald Fahrenkrug, age 88, of Carson, Iowa, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Donald Henry Fahrenkrug, one of four children of Hilda Dorothea (Bebensee) and Lawrence Theodore Fahrenkrug, was born on October 4, 1920 on the Fahrenkrug family farm near Treynor, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Congregational Church in Treynor. Don's father died when he was only 12 years old and Don started farming. He attended Treynor schools and graduated from high school in 1938.

Don and Marcella Alvena Mass were married on April 12, 1944 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Treynor, where Don became a member. They farmed northeast of Treynor until 1956, when they moved to a farm east of Carson, Iowa. Don retired from farming in 1986, and he and Marcella moved to Carson.

Don and Marcella's marriage was blessed with five children, Patsy, Ruby, Alice, David and Brian. Their family grew to include nephew, Jeff Fahrenkrug. Church was important to Don and Marcella. They were lifelong and active members of St. Paul Lutheran Church and members of the Wedded Band. Donald served on the church council and as Sunday school superintendent. He served on the Board of Directors of the Farm Service Co-op in Harlan and the Oakland Manor Advisory Board.

Don and Marcella were active in their children's and grandchildren's lives. They enjoyed attending ball games and other school events and always found time to babysit their grandchildren and attend their many activities.

Don and Marcella were married 58 years when Marcella died at their home in Carson on September 7, 2002 at the age of 83 years.

Don found enjoyment in the activities in the farm and cattle operation owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Ruby and Bruce Bentley. He found great self-worth in being able to help on the farm. One day, he and his great grandson hauled in 17 loads of grain.

Don passed away on February 18, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, attaining the age of 88 years, 4 months and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marcella; brother Glen Fahrenkrug; sister Evadne Fahrenkrug; grandson Deon Hoffman; and great granddaughter Hunter Goss.

Don is survived by daughters, Patsy Hoffman and husband Don of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Ruby Bentley and husband Bruce of Macedonia, Iowa, and Alice Falk and husband Kevin of Treynor; sons, David Fahrenkrug and wife Dianna of Mesa, Arizona, Brian Fahrenkrug and wife Teresa of Oakland, Iowa; nephew Jeff Fahrenkrug of Fontanelle, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; sister Elaine Volkens of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brothers-in-law, Glen Miller of Treynor, Howard Mass of San Diego, California; sister-in-law Ruth Mass of Council Bluffs; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Don was the "world's greatest grandpa"
and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

A memorial fund has been established.

Interment in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.