Don Carlos Rawson

1932 - 2026

Minneapolis - Don Carlos Rawson passed away on February 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Born November 7, 1932, to Thomas and Velma (Nuckles) Rawson, Don spent his childhood on a farm near Harbor Beach, Michigan, and attended high school in Warrensburg, Missouri. After two years at Graceland College, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in chemistry. Following service in the U.S. Army, Don settled in Kansas City, where he worked as a pharmaceutical chemist. In 1959, he married Shirley Hunter. Together, they raised four children.

In 1963, Don resolved to pursue graduate studies in Russian history. He received his master's at the University of Kansas and his doctorate at the University of Washington. In 1968, he began a thirty-year career as a professor at Iowa State University, where he was an acclaimed teacher, twice winning teacher-of-the-year awards. In the course of his research, he travelled frequently to the former Soviet Union. Don was active in his community, serving as an elder in his church and volunteering for several organizations, including Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity, where he deployed his skill as a carpenter.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Shirley. He is survived by his children, Eric (Callie Cardamon) Rawson, Mark (Lisa Haines) Rawson, Josie (Stephen Mohring) Rawson, and Laura Rawson, as well as his grandchildren, Piper Mohring and Cricket Mohring. His spirit will live on in those he loved.

The family will hold a private memorial service.