Donald Graven

Donald Eugene Graven was born Jan. 28, 1936, in Jefferson. His parents were Beryl and Pauline (Probst) Graven. Don had one sister, Janet.

Don grew up on the family farm north of Jefferson where he lived, now. He graduated from Jefferson High School. 

On Nov. 7, 1954, he married Jackie Ott. They resided in Jefferson and became the parents to eight children. They were married 61 years. Jackie passed away in 2015.

As a young man, Don worked for a local plumber. Over the years, his knowledge of plumbing was shared and appreciated by all of his family. Don became a heavy equipment operator for several companies out of Des Moines. He also farmed, which he loved.

For a number of years, Don was a member of the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department. In his free time, he loved motorcycles of all kinds: riding them, racing them and working on them.

Through the years, Don appreciated his dogs and their faithful companionship. He also enjoyed camping, especially with his family. Don was a “teaser”; he loved teasing the grandkids and had nicknames for them. He enjoyed attending the Clay County Fair in Spencer. He liked to go fishing. Most of all, Don loved spending time with his family. 

For nearly 20 years, Don spent the winter months in Texas, first with his wife, Jackie, by his side, and even after her passing he continued to winter in Texas. There, he had many acquaintances and good friends.

Don Graven died Feb. 10 in Harlingen, Texas. He was 85 years of age.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Masks are required. The family will not be present.

Interment will be at a later date in the Jefferson Cemetery. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; grandson Logan Scheuermann; and sister Janet Davis.

Don is survived by:

daughter Vicki Nation and her husband, Dan, of Jefferson, and their family: Ryan and Nicole Nation, Clementine and Annabelle, of Ventura, Calif.; Jason and Alison Nation, Lincoln and Fletcher, of Bella Vista, Ark.; Ashley and Rafael Martinez, Iker, Rafa and Pablo, of Lenexa, Kan.; 

son Kevin Graven and his wife, Meladee, of Grand Junction, and their family: Travis Graven, of Des Moines; Cory and Kimberly Graven, Maverick, Piper and Wren, of Urbana; Kyle Graven, of Grand Junction;         

son Rodney Graven and his wife, Sherry, of Jefferson, and their family: Derek Graven, of Winter Park, Colo.;  Jenna and Wade Nasheim, Nora and Grady, of Ames;  

son Danny Graven, of Jefferson;         

daughter Julie Graven, of Jefferson;   

daughter Janie Scheuermann and her husband, Kent, of Jefferson, and their family: Airicka Scheuermann and Leroy Davis, Eyezayah Scheuermann and Octavia Davis, of Jefferson; Lyndsie and Josh Thompson, Koen, Nolen and Kasen, of Jefferson;

son Jay Graven, of Jefferson;

and son Terry Graven and fiance Pearlie Nguyen, of Norman, Okla.