Donald Warneke Sr.

Donald Louis Warneke Sr., 88, of Ackley, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Geneva United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema Funeral Home in Ackley.
Donald Louis "Don" Warneke, Sr. 88, was born on August 18, 1937, at his family's home in rural Geneva, Iowa, to Louis and Louise (Kramer) Warneke. He was raised on the family farm two and a half miles southeast of Geneva. There he worked alongside his father and grandfather, developing the work ethic and love of farming that shaped his entire life. Don attended school in Geneva and graduated in 1955. Shortly after, he joined the National Guard, proudly serving for seven years.
Don met the love of his life, Georgia Ahlberg, at the roller skating rink in Iowa Falls. The two were married on September 3, 1961, at the Geneva United Methodist Church. Together they shared 64 wonderful years and raised their four children on the same family farm he cherished so deeply.
Farming was not just Don's livelihood-it was his passion. He loved working the land, raising cattle, and spent many years milking. He took great joy in learning beside his father and later farming with his son, Don Jr. Work wasn't only what he did-it was truly his hobby. From early mornings until dusk, Don could always be found outside, often on a John Deere tractor and later on a Cat Challenger. In his later years, nothing made him happier than continuing to farm with Don Jr. and his nephew, Ron Swenson.
Even when he was no longer able to farm, Don still took drives to look over the fields and make sure everything "looked right." He also treasured a special friendship with Randy Boelman of Geneva, whom he considered like another son.
Don will be remembered for his deep love of family, his steadfast faith in God, and the kindness and wisdom he carried throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Georgia, and their four children: Debra Marlette (Craig) of Ackley; Donald Warneke Jr. (Angela) of Hampton; Diane Keninger (Jeff) of Ackley; and his favorite Dawn England (Mitchell Reeser) of Iowa Falls.
Don was a cherished grandpa to Benjamin Marlette of Iowa Falls; Megan Reysack (Jesse) of Dumont; Denelle Hippen (Nate) of Aplington; Colton England and Kyle England of Iowa Falls; and Chase Johnson and Will Warneke of Hampton. He was blessed with two great-grandsons, Archer Reysack and Hunter Hippen who brought him much joy. He is also survived by his nephew, Ronald Swenson of Ackley, along with great-niece Emily Hershberger and great, great nephew and niece Cole Hershberger and Sophie Hershberger and great-nephew David Swenson.
Don is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, as well as many extended family members and friends who will carry his memory forward.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Louise Warneke; his sister, Lucille Swenson; his nephew, David Swenson; his father- and mother-in-law, James and Louise Ahlberg; brothers-in-law Jim Ahlberg and John Ahlberg; and several aunts and uncles.