Donald Culbertson

Donald Dean Culbertson was born September 24, 1944 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Donald Herbert & Bernice Inez (Culp) Culbertson while his father was serving overseas during World War II. Don grew up in Wells, Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota Lake High School in 1962. Don has two sisters, Sandra (Dave) Paal of Wells, Minn. and Susan (Den) Krause of New Richland, Minn. On August 7, 1965, Don married his childhood sweetheart, LaVonne Krosch.

During the Vietnam War, he spent eight years in the Air Force teaching electronics at the Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and at the Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. Don received his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State. In 1975, they moved to Churdan, Iowa where he taught for the next 30 years. He enjoyed learning new ways to teach industrial arts and computer technologies. Don didn’t only teach academically, but he taught by example how to be a respected and responsible citizen.

Don and LaVonne had two sons, Dondi (Donald Dean II) and Mike (Michael Marshall). Dondi and Katie (Katherine Lynn) live in Wildwood, Ill. with their two daughters, Heidi Katherine and Heather Joy. Mike and Chris (Christine Glynn) live in Monroe, Wash. with their two daughters, Micaela Christine and Jennifer Glynn.

Don loved hunting and fishing. They converted a school bus into a camper which was used on many family trips as well as hunting and fishing excursions. Don was very knowledgeable in many areas, making him a very tough opponent in Trivia Pursuit. He may have called himself “a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none” but to many, he was known as the local expert who was always willing to lend a hand. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would quickly study a manual and the job was done.

Don loved to listen to his family sing and play hymns. They loved their devotional time each day. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 1:4.

Don entered into eternity on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 3:15 a.m. in Des Moines, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jason and his sister, Sarah.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 7, 2017 at The Dwelling Place in Jefferson, Iowa with Pastor Rod Block officiating. “Because He Lives” and “The Love of God” were sung by Bill Benson, accompanied by Molly Benson on the piano. Pallbearers were Donald (Dondi) Culbertson, Michael (Mike) Culbertson, Dennis (Den) Krause I, David (Dave) Paal II, Dennis (Den) Krause II and Bradley (Brad) Miller. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in Churdan, Iowa. A luncheon at The Dwelling Place following the graveside services.

Assisting the family was Brown Funeral Homes.

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