Donald Neubauer

Donald George Neubauer, 89, of Cresco, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Don was born on August 6, 1936, in Cresco, Iowa, to Jerry and Clara (Balk) Neubauer. He attended Catholic school through the 8th grade before joining his father full time on the family farm along Pole Line Road. Together they milked Holstein cows, raised hogs, and grew crops. Don later purchased the farm from his father, and for a time, three generations of the Neubauer family proudly lived and worked there.

Don first married Elaine Phipps, and they welcomed a son, Todd. The couple later divorced. On November 21, 1975, Don married Bonnie Butikofer at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He often joked that neighbors thought he was crazy for marrying a widow with five children, but in time he declared it the best decision he ever made. Don was eagerly anticipating their 50th wedding anniversary this November, a milestone he cherished all the more because Bonnie was truly "the love of his life."

In 1984, Don sold the farm and moved to town due to health reasons. He began a career as a bus driver for the Howard-Winneshiek School District, where he remained for 27 years. He loved the kids he drove and attended as many of their sporting events as he could. He was an enthusiastic Cadet supporter, especially cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always their biggest fan. He also hauled milk for Kirk Trucking and Viessman Trucking.

Don was well known in the community not only through the school but also for his decorating skills at his North Elm home. He loved decorating for Halloween, Easter, and Christmas. He enjoyed raising beautiful flowers, taking his beloved Yorkies, Penny and Princess, on daily golf cart rides and spending time with friends over coffee at Sue-Z-Q's. Don had a lifelong passion for collecting. He carefully curated hundreds of John Deere collector tractors, keeping each one in its original box, and also collected plates, belt buckles, Barbies, and model cars, taking great pride in his extensive and well-organized collections.

He and Bonnie enjoyed traveling together, often taking bank bus trips and frequent trips to Branson to see his favorite singer, Daniel O'Donnell. They also traveled to Montana, Arizona, and Texas to visit family.

In his younger years, Don had a deep love for horses and often participated in parades with driving teams. He was also an excellent roller skater and even managed the Roller Skating Rink in Cresco for a time. He especially enjoyed showing Holstein cattle at the county fair, and he took great pride in competing with his beloved Holstein, "Dandy," not only at local events but also on the world stage, including the World Dairy Expo.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children Scott (Cindy) Butikofer, Michael (Christine) Butikofer, Randall (Mary) Butikofer, Barbara Gosch, Rebecca (Dennis) Bohr, and Gordie Neubauer; fourteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Todd (2006); his parents, Jerry and Clara; his in-laws, Floyd and Marcella Bergeson; a son-in-law, Bill Gosch; brothers Gerald (Shirlee) Neubauer and Zachary (Beverly) (Janet) Neubauer; a sister, Betty (Darrell) Lusson; a nephew, Jayme Neubauer; and a niece, Brenda Neubauer.