Don W. Rees

Don W. Rees, 90, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Views of Marion. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 802 12th Street in Marion, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Don was born on August 14, 1934, in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of B.G. and Alice (Robison) Rees. After attending schools in Anamosa, Waubeek, and a one room country school, he graduated from Delhi High School in 1953. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. His service included a tour on the island of Kwajalein, a tour on the USS Hornet, and a tour as the postmaster on Fort Island in Hawaii. He was an observer for the hydrogen bomb tests in the South Pacific. While postmaster, he raised the flag on the Arizona several times. After receiving an honorable discharge, he enrolled at the Upper Iowa University on the GI Bill. He was awarded a bachelor’s degree in science for secondary education. He taught high school science in Nevada, Iowa, and Parkersburg, Iowa, for many years. He then became a plant chemist at the Dwayne Arnold Nuclear Power Plant in Palo, Iowa.

He married the love of his life, Carol, on the 14th of June 1986. After retirement, he and Carol bought a motor home and traveled the country for 12 years. He kept a journal of over 165 campgrounds they stayed in. He made friends in many of their stops and many of those friends have kept in contact to this date. After selling the motor home, he and Carol lived in Marion. Don was a gentle man who cared for his fellow man, especially his family.

He is survived by a brother, Gary Rees; two sisters, Mary (Carl) Einek and Lois (Jim) May. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carol; a sister; three half-brothers; and two half-sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Don’s memory may be directed to Camp Courageous, located at 12007 190th Street, Monticello, Iowa 52310 or Maquoketa Valley Dollars For Scholars, https://maquoketavalley.dollarsforscholars.org.