Obituary of Donald R. Lovetinsky

Donald R. Lovetinsky, 93, of Iowa City, formerly of West Liberty, passed away Monday, January 4, 2016. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Thursday at the Gay & Ciha Funeral Service in Iowa City where visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials in Don's name can be made to the West Liberty American Legion Post 509. Donald Robert Lovetinsky was born October 4, 1922, near Iowa City; son of George and Mary (Spawn) Lovetinsky. After school he was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served as an infantryman in Europe during WWII. During his service, he earned three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. Weeks prior to leaving for the war, he married Viola Clark on November 16, 1943, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. He and Viola were lifetime farmers near West Liberty, where they raised their family. Later in life, Mission, Texas became their winter home, spending 30 winters there. Don was proud of his military service, he was a member of the West Liberty American Legion, Moose Lodge, Eagles, and longtime member of the Cattleman's Association, serving as a past president and putting him in position to help found the Solon Beef Days. Don's military service was also recognized when his name was placed on the Johnson County Veteran's Trail. His family includes his wife, Viola; sons, Richard Lovetinsky (Ruth) and James Lovetinsky (Deb) both of West Liberty; daughter, Donna McGowan (Bruce) of Wapello; brother, Robert Lovetinsky (Joan Haman) of Iowa City; sister, Jean Swenka of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Millie Lovetinsky of Iowa City, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Joe, Jack, and Ray; brother-in-law, John Swenka and sisters-in-law, Juanita Lovetinsky and Mildred Lovetinsky. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Don's family and his services.