Donald J Graves

Don Graves had a very full life with a profound impact on so many people. He was a kind and loving father of 5 children and husband to Marge, and he loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren. His constant curiosity and interest in science led him to study and teach biochemistry for over 50 years. Don never stopped learning, teaching, and exploring.

Don's personality was, in a word, kind. He was someone that people instantly warmed up to, was cheerful, always smiling, and eager to reach out to others. He had a playful personality and loved to tease in a light-hearted way. He got excited telling stories, and his hearty laugh was infectious.

Donald J. Graves passed away on June 21st, 2024, in Woodbury, MN at the age of 90. Don is survived by his wife Marge of 66 years and his 5 children Brian (Jody), Lee (Lori), Stephen (Amy), Ann (David), Paul (Fumika), grandchildren; Andy, John, Natalie, Eva, Anna (Saurabh), Hallie, Tony, Jenna, Maria (Connor), Nick and Hannah and great grandchildren Noah, Zaryiah, Indira Pearl, and Parker (due in September). Don was preceded in death by his father Fred, mother Pearl and his brother Lester (Marjorie).

Don was born in Evanston, IL on Oct 15, 1933, the second son of Fred and Pearl Graves. Fred was an immigrant from Lithuania, and Pearl was an immigrant from Poland. Don and his brother Lester grew up with humble beginnings, a shared room in small apartments until the age of 18. Post-war times were tough, and his parents worked hard to provide for their family. Chicago was home to extended family and friends and the start of his love of baseball especially the Chicago Cubs, roller skating, movies, and later ballroom dancing.

Don was a top student and graduated from Evanston High School in 1951. He was inspired by teachers that influenced his interest in science, particularly Chemistry. He went on to study Chemistry at the University of Illinois, in Champaign-Urbana, the first in his family to go to college. Following his degree, he attended graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle to study Biochemistry with Edwin Krebs and Eddie Fischer who later received the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work. Don was noted for his contributions to their research.



But of course, Don did not spend all his time in the lab, and one day he went to a dance at the Newman club. Don said he saw Marge "standing by the piano," asked her to dance, and this began their life-long romance. They were married in 1958, which Don described as the happiest day of his life. Without a doubt, his greatest love in life was Marge.

Don completed his PhD in Biochemistry in 1959 and chose a post-doctoral fellow position at the University of Minnesota, so he and Marge and their first son Brian moved to Minneapolis. In 1961, Don, Marge, Brian, and newly born Lee moved to Ames, IA where Don became an assistant professor at Iowa State University in the recently formed Biochemistry Department. Once settled, Don and Marge had Stephen, Ann and Paul.

Don was one of the early faculty members helping to launch the influential Biochemistry Department at Iowa State University (ISU). During Don's 39-year tenure at ISU he became a full professor, department chair and later was awarded distinguished professor. He was the first Faculty member at ISU to receive the prestigious Career Development Award from the National Institutes of Health.

Don was known for his passion for research and teaching. As a scientist, he made groundbreaking contributions leading to a better understanding of enzyme regulation and glycogen metabolism. As Chair, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Department of Biochemistry including hiring talented young scientists and contributing to the design of the Molecular Biology Building. He was a mentor and supporter of many, including students, both undergraduate and graduate, post-docs and faculty from all over the world. His energy, kindness, and contributions to this great community of scientists will be missed. He was a lifelong Cyclone fan and proud supporter of Iowa State and the Department of Biochemistry.

Don was also known for his care for people. Don and Marge co-sponsored a family from Viet Nam and hosted several foreign exchange students. Don and Marge always tried to make others feel like they were part of their family. Don, a prostate cancer survivor, was founder and race director for a foot race to support awareness and funding for prostate cancer. He was a lifelong runner completing 3 marathons and many half marathons remarkably after the age of 65.

In some ways, Don never grew up from being a boy in Chicago that loved to play stick ball and marbles at school. He introduced many to the oversized Chicago softball game ("the Clincher" - no gloves needed). His booming voice could be heard blocks away instructing where to stand as he was about to pitch the ball or calling "you're out!" Don's competitive spirit was also seen in many backyard games of croquet.

As his children, we learned the importance of education, kindness, the value of family, the fun of playing games together, to be curious and have the courage to try new things or explore new places. He would often say "you never know what new things you might learn." Dad could also be heard saying "there's always room for a treat," usually an ice cream sundae! He loved to share this passion with his grandchildren.

Don and Marge retired and moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 2000. Don's continued passion for science and students led him to volunteer at the University of California - Santa Barbara for the next 13 years doing research and mentoring graduate biochemistry students. It was here that he extended his research on the bioactive compounds in cinnamon always with the goal in mind of helping others. See Don share his passion for this work and benefits. https://youtu.be/AhNz5srBdTI?si=CbDmiqZK10xmBnR9



Don also loved to express his creativity with painting and gardening in the sunny weather of California. His garage was famous for his creative expression of art and life stories and for being a dance hall in the evening! Don's continued zest for running led him to train and complete a 3K (~2mile) run on his 90th birthday. His love of Cub games, classic movies and dancing with Marge continued to his final days.



A Celebration of Life for Don will be held on Friday, July 19th 3-7pm. Visitation 3-4pm, Program 4-5pm.Location: The Pavilion at 8511 Hudson Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042.



In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Donald and Margaret Graves Iowa State University Biochemistry Undergraduate Research Scholarship Fund. www.foundation.iastate.edu/graves