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Obituary for Donald William Hurst
Donald William Hurst, 92, of Dexter, Iowa passed away peacefully December 31, 2017 at the Stuart Community Care Center. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Dexter Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at the Church. Burial will immediately follow the service in Dexter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dexter Presbyterian Church and/or the Stuart Community Care Center. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com
Don as he was known by family and friends, was born September 27, 1925 in Mitchellville, Iowa to John William and Anna Katrina (Miller) Hurst. He grew up in the Mitchellville area and attended rural grade school and graduated from Altoona High School. Shortly after graduating, Don enlisted into the United States Army during WWII. He served as a Military Policeman during his enlistment and was stationed in Washington State. Unbeknownst to Don and his fellow soldiers they were guarding the Atomic Bomb that was used during one of the strikes on Japan. Following his honorable discharge, Don returned to Iowa and moved to Redfield where his parents were living at the time. It was here he met the love of his life, Wanda. They were united in marriage on October 29, 1949 and to this union three children were born, David, Darrell and Roger. After their marriage they moved to a farm outside of Earlham where Don worked as a farm hand, until purchasing their own farm west of Dexter in the fall of 1950. There they made their home and raised their family. Besides farming, Don also worked a brief time with Betts & Beer Construction Company and helped build the Dexter School. Don and Wanda were both longtime members of the Dexter Presbyterian Church. They both loved the church, which was a source of hope and inspiration to them both throughout the years. He also was a lifetime member of the Dexter American Legion. In Don’s younger years, he enjoyed playing both softball and baseball and still loved the game to this day. He and Wanda also enjoyed a good game of cards and spending time with their family and friends. Don enjoyed following the Iowa State Cyclones and was an avid fan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna, beloved wife, Wanda, in 2006, one son, Darrell in 2006 and a brother, Fred Hurst. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog, Cyclone who was his constant companion.
Don leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, David (Debbie) Hurst of Polk City, Iowa and Roger (Cynthia) Hurst of Emmetsburg, Iowa; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of friends all of whom will miss him greatly.
The family wishes to thank all of Don’s friends whom would stop regularly at the Care Center to visit and the staff of the Stuart Community Care Center for their dedication and care when it was most needed.
