Donald Gansen

    Donald F. “Don” Gansen, 82, 704 S. 12th St., Clear Lake, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather entered his heavenly home on Dec. 17, 2011 at the Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave S., Clear Lake

with the Rev. Kenneth B. Gehling  officiating.  Visitation will be held at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 N. 4th St., Clear Lake from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, and one hour prior to the service at the church.  A celebration of his life with a scriptural wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday.  Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City. Memorials may be given to the Don Gansen Memorial Fund.
     Don was born July 13, 1929 in Elma, Iowa to William and Loretta (Richardson) Gansen.  He helped on the family farm and with the family’s sand and gravel business.  On Feb. 20, 1950 Don married the love of his life, Doris Kurtz, in Chester, Iowa and together they raised six children.
     Don worked in the mines at Gilmore City, Iowa before moving to Clear Lake in 1961.  He then worked with Carlson Construction working on many local highways and interstates.  Don worked for  Clear Lake (Buttertop) Bakery as a mechanic until he retired.
     Don enjoyed spending time with his family.  He liked staying busy with gardening, woodworking, watching sports, and having coffee with friends. A long-time Clear Lake resident, Don was a member of the Noon Lions Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Don and Doris also enjoyed spending their winters at their home in Arkansas, taking in shows, enjoying the flowers, and watching the wildlife around the yard.
     Don was a good man and we will forever hold him in our hearts.
     Don was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother; his brother-in-law, Robert Bronner; his daughter-in-law, Connie Gansen; and his granddaughter, Nichol Gansen.  
    Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 61 years, Doris, Clear Lake; his children, Fran Gansen of Mason City, David (Kathy) Gansen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Richard Gansen of Clear Lake, Brenda Tuttle of Mason City, Ken (Elaine) Gansen of Jewell, Iowa and Kathy (Steve) Brown of Clear Lake.  He leaves behind 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; one god child, Danial O’Brien, Elma; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.