Donald Gingerich

Donald Vural Gingerich, 90 years and 6 months, of Wellman, Iowa died at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa under the care of Compassus Hospice of Washington County. Donald was born January 27, 1935 to Clark and Louisa (Swartzendruber) Gingerich near Wellman, Iowa. He attended White Hall Country School and graduated from Iowa Mennonite School, now Hillcrest Academy, with the class of 1953, where he met and dated Wilma Troyer who became his lifelong love, marrying on August 13, 1955.

Together, Don and Willy built a fulfilling life in their Wellman home. They enjoyed traveling to visit family and making new friends along the way. One particular accomplishment was visiting 42 states on their many motorcycle adventures.

In his younger days, Don was an excellent pitcher for the men’s Fast Pitch Softball league. He went on to work with his hands building many houses in the area with his father and uncle, Clark and Ora Gingerich. Don later worked at Home Gas, Inc. in Wellman until his retirement. To fill his days after retiring, Don started a business called Don’s Handyman Services where he continued to use his skills to repair and solve problems for others.

Don was a faithful servant of the Lord, his family and the Wellman Community. He served in various capacities with the First Baptist Church, Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Service, the youth baseball league, the Parks and Recreation department, Rotary International and many other volunteer positions for the town of Wellman. Don also was committed to Mid-Prairie sports, serving 40 years as a timekeeper for Mid-Prairie basketball and football games.

In later years, he enjoyed following various sports on TV including the Hawkeyes, Cowboys, and Cubs.

Don is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Wilma Marie and his children: Greg (Peggy) Gingerich of Iowa City, Patti Gingerich Stutzman (Bob Van Hoozer) of Kalona and Tom (Susan) Gingerich of Mansfield Texas. Seven grandchildren and 10+ great-grandchildren: Amy Gingerich and son Daniel of Mallorca, Spain, and Anna Gingerich of Iowa City. Stuart (Abby) Stutzman, Marian, Sylvia and Arthur of Iowa City. Carrie and Jason Schweitzer, Lana, Carson and Hannah of Wellman. Olivia (Andrew) Kahler, Jocelyn Jo and Hudson of Wellman. Madeline (Ryan Hall) Stutzman of Iowa City. Taylor (Casey) Gingerich, David Clark and baby girl Gingerich coming soon of Dallas, Texas, 3 sisters: Doris Nafziger, Mary Hickman and Mollie Miller. He was preceded by his parents, sister Minnie Knepp.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Wellman Baptist Church, with Pastor Mark Larson officiating. Burial will be at Lower Deer Creek Cemetery in rural Wellman. Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Yoder- Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for First Baptist Church in Wellman and the Wellman Volunteer Fire Dept. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Wellman is caring for Donald and his family. Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.