Jonathan J. Waldner

       Jonathan J. Waldner, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Gross) Waldner, was born on February 1, 1938, in Tabor, SD. He was raised and attended school in the Bon Homme Hutterite Colony. Jon left the colony at age 17 and worked for the Hansen family farm for 2 years. He then went to work for the Nelson family farm near Yankton, SD for the next 17 years. 

     On March 22, 1959, Jon married Deanna Scheel in Yankton. They had 3 children. In 1975, the family moved to Albert City, IA, where Jon successfully managed Tenderlean Pork, Inc. He retired in 1990. He and Dee purchased and remodeled a home in Spencer, IA where he did handyman work for many more years. 

     Jon enjoyed golf, woodworking, fishing and square dancing. He and Dee went on several square-dancing trips across the USA in their RV. 

     He passed away on February 3, 2024, at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, at the age of 86. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Jacob, Sarah as a toddler, Michael and Susanna in infancy and  Rev. David and Michael; 2 daughters-in-law: Lori Waldner and Cathy Waldner and step grandson, Alexander.

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dee of Spencer, IA; his children: Aaron Waldner and (friend – Brenda) of Storm Lake, IA, Jeremy Waldner (Sonja) of Collins, IA and Wendy Gibbons (Jeremiah) of St. Paul, MN; his grandchildren: J.J. Waldner, Nathaniel Gibbons, Brandon Gibbons (Melannie); his step granddaughter, Brianna Ordenez; his siblings: Peter Waldner (Ruth), Susanna Stahl, Rachel Wurtz, Samuel Waldner (Helen) and Sarah Waldner (Joshua); many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.