Donovan “Don” Dale Truax, 92

Donovan “Don” Dale Truax, age 92, of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of Willis and Tena (Hovenga) Truax on February 6, 1931, in rural Butler County, near Allison, Iowa. Don received his education in the Parkersburg Schools.  

On March 24, 1951, Don was united in marriage with Sarah Mae DeGroote at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg. After their marriage, the couple lived in Parkersburg.  Don worked at Standard Gas Station, then at the Ford garage, both in Parkersburg.  He later worked at O’s Gold Seed Company which later became Asgrow. Don drove semi for farmers and never retired, just slowed down.

Don was a member of the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg. He was also a former member of the Parkersburg Fire Department and had served as the fire chief. Don loved fishing, especially at Howey Bay Camps in Red Lake, Ontario, Canada, where he went for 65 years. He enjoyed playing bingo, doing word finds and gardening.  More than anything, Don loved his family and spending time with them.

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, Don died at Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center, Iowa.  Don is preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Tena Truax; one brother, LeRoy “Pete” Truax and one sister, Evelyn Schrage.

Don is survived by his wife of 72 years, Sarah; one son, Doug (Deb) Truax of Parkersburg; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Lassen, Jaclyn (Tylor) Reiter and Scott Truax; five great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Olivia, Isabelle, Jordan and Carson; three sisters, Maxine DeBoer of Parkersburg, Linda (Brent) Kannegieter of Parkersburg and  Glenda (Russell) Miller of Allison; and one sister-in-law, Linda Truax of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A Funeral Service was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, with B.J. Humphrey officiating. Pianist Randy Brocka accompanied the congregation in singing, “Old Rugged Cross” and “Amazing Grace”. A Burial was held in the Oak Hill Cemetery with Brad Benning, Darren Benning, Justin Miller, Quint Jansen, Matt Jansen, Austin Kannegieter, and Carson Reiter serving as Casket Bearers. 

A Visitation was held one hour before services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com.