Donald L Elenz

Donald L Elenz obituary, Nashua, IA

Donald L Elenz

Donald Elenz Obituary

Published by Legacy on Oct. 14, 2025.
Don passed away peacefully in his home at the age 93. Don was born in Alta Vista, Iowa to N. Joseph and Johanna (Pitz) Elenz and was the second of five children. Don grew up on the family farm and attended St. Mary's Catholic School in North Washington. At age 20 he left home to work at the John Deere factory in Waterloo. On February 22, 1954 he married Violet M. Ritchmond at St. Mary's Catholic Church in North Washington. Don co-owned and operated a local trucking company with a lifelong friend for two years before going to work for International Multi-food feed division- IMF (locally known then as Supersweet). Working for IMF had the family move from New Hampton to Salina, Kansas, then to Des Moines and finally to Kansas City, MO. In Kansas City Don left IMF and started his own successful electrical contracting business, Northland Electric based in Liberty, MO. Don and Vi retired to Holiday Island, Arkansas and then on to Sun City, Arizona. In November of 2023 they returned to a retirement community in the Kansas City area.
Don is survived by his wife Vi and six children, 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Don's children are Cindy Nightingale (Bruce) Kansas City, Steve Elenz, Kansas City, Marty Elenz, Charlotte, NC, Janine Calhoun, Kansas City, Nolan Elenz, Charlotte, NC and Karla Lundy (Mark), Kansas City. Don is also survived by 3 sisters, Marjorie Arens, Lawler, Betty Britt, Modesto, CA and Marilyn Schwickerath, Charles City. Don was preceded in death by his parents and older brother James Elenz.
Services are pending and will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 919 NE 96th St., Kansas City, MO 64155.

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Elenz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Donald Elenz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?