Donovan Lerdal

Donovan "Don" Lerdal, 77, of Ankeny passed away peacefully, May 27, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd.). A memorial service will follow the visitation at 6:30 p.m.

Don was born April 16, 1948, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to J. Donovan and Mabel C. (Kleve) Lerdal. He attended Boone Valley High School and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University. Don loved being a farm kid and would say there was no better place to grow up than rural Iowa.

Don served a six-year term in the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked the majority of his adult life as a real estate appraiser. Don met his wife, Deborah DeGroote, in 1973. Don and Debbie were married April 24, 1976.

Don loved spending time with family, specifically his seven grandchildren. He enjoyed supporting them at their games and activities throughout the years. Don enjoyed annual vacations to SW Florida, often hosting family and friends. Don was a proud member of the nine-gallon blood donor club. He was a huge Nebraska fan and thoroughly enjoyed the "good old days" of Husker football. He will be remembered for his laid-back personality, wonderful sense of humor, and exceptional care and devotion to his wife following her stroke.

Don is survived by his wife, Debbie; his daughters, Kendra (Todd) Fiechter and Kara Lerdal; his son, Jared (Sarah) Lerdal; his seven grandchildren; his sister, Marilyn (Jim) Fevold; as well as many nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Donovan and Mabel C. Lerdal.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to On With Life, 715 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, or The University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242.