Obituary of Donald D. Urban

On Sunday, August 3, 2014, our dear loved one, friend, and "Bro", Donald D. Urban, 72, of Iowa City, formerly of Waterloo, took his fishing boat, fishing gear, favorite fishing pole and reel, and went to heaven's fishing hole. Memorial Services will be held at 6 pm Saturday, August 9, 2014, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service followed by a time of food and continued fellowship at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Muskies Incorporated, in remembrance of Don's passion for fishing and sharing it with so many others! Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Donald Dean Urban was born July 28, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Peter and Luella (Meier) Urban. Following graduation from Waterloo East High School in 1960, he attended and graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI). He served in the United States Army, honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant. He returned to his former college now University of Northern Iowa to receive his Master's Degree in Chemistry. Don married Christine Larsen and for many years they lived in the Waterloo area. Here Don worked for John Deere nearly 37 years before his retirement in 1999. His wife, Christine passed away this year also. Don and Jeanne Thomas Hocker were married July 7, 2001, in Iowa City, where eventually they built their home together. Don was many things to many people; an avid outdoorsman, who loved and respected our planet earth as he hunted and fished only what he could eat, and only what was allowed by law. He learned many lessons early in life, and he always was one to share and teach others like he was taught. Whether it was how to catch that Muskie or cook that recipe just right, he was always learning and sharing his gifts. He will be missed by many, but many were blessed to have him in their lives! His family includes his wife, Jeanne; sister, Linda Bartling (Jerry) of Denver, IA; brother, Gary Urban (Karen) of Waterloo; two nieces and nephews; step-son, Tim Hocker (Lana LaSalle) of Davenport; two grandchildren, Zoe and Drew Hocker; Christine's siblings and their families, Don Larsen (Enid) of Dunbarton, NH; Elaine Dalrymple of Cedar Falls; Leonard Larsen (MaryJo) of Ames and a number of nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Christine, and his in-laws, Kay and Ed Thomas. Don's family would like to thank all at Mercy Hospital in the Hospice Care Unit for their loving and supportive care of not only Don but all of our family!