Obituaries : Donald “Duece” E. Walton

Donald "Duece" E. Walton, 86, of Belle Plaine, IA passed away June 26, 2025.

Don was born October 4, 1938 in rural Belle Plaine, the son of George and Helen (Kapucian) Walton. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1956. Following school, he started work as a meat cutter in the Foodland Grocery Store on Main Street in Belle Plaine. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1961 and served two years and returned home to resume work at the grocery store. In January of 1963 he married Ruth Bluemle. He continued to work in area grocery stores as a meat cutter, buying Country Foods in Belle Plaine in the early 1980s, then selling it in the late 1980s to continue meat cutting in the Williamsburg grocery store, until his retirement.

Don loved to hunt when he was younger, along with being an avid bowler, throwing several 300-perfect games. Later his love of golf would take over and be his pastime for life. He was a proud member of the Belle Plaine Fire Department for 34 years, serving as Assistant Fire Chief for many of those years. He was also a proud member of the Belle Plaine American Legion, helping with many Fish Fries, Veterans Day celebrations, Memorial services and Flag raisings at BPHS football games over the years. He was also a member of the Rotary Club and St. Michael's Catholic Church Council during his lifetime. Don was a lifelong resident of Belle Plaine and always had a smile for everyone and considered everyone a friend.

He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 62 years, daughters Colleen (Patti Harm) Walton of Chippewa Falls, WI; and Leah Mast of Belle Plaine; grandchildren Thaddeus Mast of Chicago, IL; and Emily (Joey) Pogue of Ft. Collins, CO; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; siblings George Walton, Mary Ann Nebendahl, Ray Walton, Richard Walton and Betty Wille.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine with military honors.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com.