Donald J. Tucker

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Donald J. Tucker, who passed away peacefully on December 1, 2024, in Denver, CO, at the age of 88. Donald was born on October 23, 1936, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to Goldie Hoff Tucker and Lee Tucker. He grew up in Detroit Lakes and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1955, where he was a standout athlete in basketball, football, cross-country running, track, and golf. Donald continued his athletic pursuits at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he became a four-sport Bison athlete and graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1959.
Donald met the love of his life, Donna Lia, during high school and their first date was at a school dance. They married in November 1957 and started their family shortly after. They moved to Billings, MT, where Donald started his pharmacy career. Donald went on to work in a pharmacy in Veblen, SD and eventually the family settled in Boone, IA, where they raised four children.
Donald had a successful career as a pharmacist, owning Medical Associates Pharmacy in Boone, IA, later expanding to two pharmacies located in medical complexes. He also provided pharmaceutical services to multiple nursing homes in the area. Donald had three requirements to work in the pharmacy: greet the customer with a smile; take their prescription as soon as they walk in the door; talk with them (Donald loved talking with his anyone); and count back the change. Donald would take calls at all hours to fill prescriptions for people and would even provide free delivery service. In addition to his professional success, Donald was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Boone Park Board, the Boone School Board, the Country Club Board, and was an active member of the Elks, Shriners, Lions Club, and the Masons. He was elected to serve as President of the Iowa Elks Association in 1982.
A passionate golfer, Donald spent much of his free time on the course, competing in tournaments and playing with his sons. He also cherished the monthly Birthday/Anniversary dinners with their close friends in Boone. Donald and his wife Donna loved dancing and continued dancing into their 80s, attending dances at the Elks Club and Community Centers. He enjoyed playing cribbage and telling stories, creating memories with friends and family that will be cherished forever.
Donald and Donna moved to Denver, CO, to be closer to two of their adult children and their grandchildren. Donald continued working as a pharmacist at Kroger-King Soopers in Denver and at Fry's in Sun City, AZ where they spent their winters. Each summer, they returned to their lake cabin in Northern MN, where Donald enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, listening to the loons, taking sunset boat cruises and playing with the grandkids.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie Hoff Tucker and Lee Tucker. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Donna, their four children: Greg (Cyndie) Tucker of Cincinnati, OH, Jeff (Christy) Tucker of Denver, CO, Kevin (Naomi) Tucker of Denver, Co, and Lisa (Alan) of Boston, MA. Donald was a proud father and later a doting grandfather to seven grandchildren: Will (Robin), Emily (Emma), Ben, Michael, Briauna, Kelsie, and Alexandra, and two great-grandchildren.
Donald's legacy of love, service to his family and dedication to his community will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Memorials are preferred to NDSU Sudro Society Pharmacy Program, an alumni run program that directly supports pharmacy students, technology, and advancement initiatives in the School of Pharmacy. Donations can be made through the following link:
https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/50452/donations/
We warmly invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life honoring our dad, Don Tucker, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cedar Pointe Golf Course in Boone, Iowa.
While we come together to celebrate our Dad's life, we also want to honor the beautiful legacy he and our mom, Donna, built side by side in this community they loved so much. Donna is unable to be with us in person as she is living with dementia and receiving loving care in Denver. If she could, we know she'd love being here to share her signature warmth, love, laughter, and hospitality.
We-Greg, Jeff, Kevin, and Lisa Tucker-would be so grateful to see friends, neighbors, and all who knew Don, Donna, or our family. Please join us to share stories, laughter, and memories as we celebrate two remarkable lives that touched so many.
Invite link: https://pp.events/dontuckercelebrationoflife
Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 515-432-4550.