Donald Blake

Donald Duane Blake passed away November 1, 2014, at home with the comfort and care of his family and Iowa River Hospice. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 4 from 5-7 PM at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, IA. Funeral services will be Wednesday November 5 at 10:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown, IA. Donald was born July 14, 1931, the son of Durward & Marguerite Giger Blake in Toledo, IA. He graduated from Toledo High School in 1949. He served in the United States Navy from September 1950 to July 1954 and attended basic training at the Great Lakes naval station. He worked as an Aviation Electrics Technician 2nd Class Petty officer while stationed in Memphis, TN and San Diego, CA. He also served abroad the Wisconsin BB66 for 6 months. Following discharge from the Navy he attended Iowa State University before beginning a 38 year career at Fishers, retiring in May of 1992. Donald married Barbara Kay Fricke on April 6, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in State Center, IA. They met while they were both working at Fishers and are the parents of Tom (Donna Hutson) Marshalltown, David (sons Andrew and Brady) of Clive and Linda of West Des Moines. Donald is survived by his wife, children and grandsons, his brother Jerry Keith (Pat) Blake of Ankeny, numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and cousins. In death Donald is reunited with his parents, his cherished grandma Elsie Mason, his adored uncles Harold and Fay Blake and aunt Esther McAnulty. Donald was an American Legion member for 66 years and a 40 & 8 member for 51 years and proud to have been a very active member of both organizations. Donald volunteered for many years at the Iowa Veterans Home and drove veterans to their doctor and VA appointments. Donald went on an Honor Flight in May 2013. Donald will be remembered for providing much needed support and care for his extended Fricke family members over the past 25 years. Donald was a member Redeemer Lutheran Church. He and his family took many skiing trips and summer vacations. Donald and Barb enjoyed many trips with their friends. He enjoyed playing golf, putting jigsaw puzzles together and playing cards/socializing with the Second Saturday Night card group and church card group for many years. Donald and his family are grateful for the loving and Compassionate care provided by Dr. Ron Terrill and Dr. Matthew Hill of Medical Oncology and Hematology Associates. Memorials can be directed to the family and Iowa River Hospice.