Obituary of Donald D Theesfeld

Donald D. Theesfeld, age 73, passed away on October 14, 2022, in Coralville, Iowa. A funeral service for Don is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th at 11 a.m. at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service (2720 Muscatine Avenue, Iowa City). The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Don will be laid to rest with military honors at Oak Hill Cemetery in Coralville, Iowa. Don was born on March 18, 1949, in Galesburg, Illinois; the son of Dale and Lucille (Larson) Theesfeld. Following his service in Korea, he earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois and his Masters Degree from Bradley University in 1982. Don worked for 34 years (retiring in 2007) as a Commodity Engineer at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois. This position allowed him to travel all over the globe. During Don's career, he made numerous friends. One of these special friends is Charles Librizzi. Their friendship grew as they worked on various projects. This special friendship got stronger over the decades. In his retirement, Don worked tirelessly to support and honor his fellow veterans through the Vietnam Veterans of America, Quad Cities Chapter 299. He also spent time volunteering to support the veterans at the Iowa City Hospital. He would contact companies and ask if they had Items to donate to the hospitalized veterans at the Iowa City VA Hospital. These items were then collected from the various companies and placed in individual bags by his grandchildren to be handed out to the VA patients. Don also enjoyed attending and watching baseball and football games. Don had season tickets to Bradley basketball for many years and the University of Iowa football tickets. Moreover, Don loved his family deeply. In 2008, Don and Linda moved to Coralville, Iowa, to be closer to their daughter and growing family. He took in so much joy watching the grandchildren; attending Hudson's sporting events (he was even able to watch his baseball team win the State baseball tournament) and Ava's dance competitions, numerous awards, and recitals. His passing leaves a hole that is unfillable, but his memories and lessons continue to be carried on by all who love him. Don's family included his beloved wife of 53 years. Don and Linda (Diamond) were married on July 4, 1969, in Mossville, Illinois. His daughter (Dr. Michelle, O.D., (Dr. Brandon, O.D.) Stalzer; grandchildren Ava and Hudson Stalzer; siblings, Dan (Diane) Theesfeld, Diana (Dave) Hanson, and Dennis (Lori) Theesfeld. Nieces and nephews: Heather Theesfeld, Jilll Theesfeld, Sarah (Josh) Beam, Sheila (Mike) Mara, Duane (Mindy) Theesfeld, and Stephanie Theesfeld. Sadly, Don is preceded in death by his parents Dale and Lucille. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Vietnam Veterans of America Quad Cities Chapter 299, (VVA Quad City Chapter 299, P.O. Box 6076, Rock Island IL 61204-6076) or Care Initiatives Hospice (https://www.careinitiatives.org/hospice-care). Please continue to keep Don's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.