Donald R. Van Baale

Donald R. Van Baale was born Oct. 31, 1934, on a farm near Monroe, to Martha Marie Koder and Jacob R. Van Baale. Don attended Monroe schools. Don and Marilyn were married June 9, 1954, at the First Presbyterian Church in Newton. Don and Marilyn raised their family in Monroe. He managed the PAG/Cargill Company Corn Plant, retiring with more than 50 years of service.

He volunteered on the Monroe Fire Department for more than 30 years. He was one of the first five EMTs on the Monroe ambulance. He served many years on the Monroe School Board, where he was a great supporter of teachers and quality education. Don also served multiple terms as the mayor of Monroe. Don and Marilyn were recognized by the Army Corp of Engineers for their 50,000 hours of volunteer service at the Red Rock Dam Visitors Center. Don was an avid fisherman and until the very end he loved to drive the countryside scouting deer and looking for bald eagles and other wildlife.

Don died in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 7, 2019. Those who preceded him in death are his parents; his brother, Marvin “Louie” Van Houweling; and his sister, Eva Curtis.

He will be forever missed by his wife of more than 64 years, Marilyn; his daughter, Darcy (Lynn) Van Baale of Crystal, Minn.; his son, Bradley “Sparky” (Joanna) Van Baale; his grandchildren, Randy Masterson (Jamie), Curtis Masterson (Shantel) and Travis Van Baale; his great-grandchildren, Kayla, Sara, Brandon, Jaysee, Chase, Payton and Haylie; and a very special aunt, Margaret Bailey.

A time to celebrate Don’s life with his family and friends will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23 at the Monroe City Hall. A private family burial will take place at a later date. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Monroe Fire and Rescue.

Johnson Funeral Service is honored to care for Don and assist his family with arrangements.