Donald Pelzer

Donald Pelzer, 83, of Atlantic, Iowa and formerly of Marne, Iowa, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

The son of Oliver Earl and Blanche Matilda (Auerbach) Pelzer, Donald Lee Pelzer was born July 12, 1936, at the Atlantic Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa. Don attended rural school at Brighton #2, through the 8th grade and transferred to Atlantic High School where he graduated with the class of 1954. He worked on the family farm with his dad north of Marne, Iowa, until he enlisted in the United States Army on December 1, 1958. During his tour of duty, he served in Germany for 13 months until he was honorably discharged on September 1, 1960.

Donald met Jackie Jo Oakes at the Marne Ballpark and they were married December 27, 1960, in Atlantic, Iowa. Two sons, Jeffrey and Jon were born to this union. He continued to operate the family farm and drove truck, hauling grain for several years until he retired in 2017. Jackie died January 16, 2014. He moved to Atlantic in 2019.

Don was a lifetime member of the Marne Methodist Church and Marne Community Club. He was also a member of the Mason’s Grove #492 Masonic Lodge in Marne. Don was the sexton of Brighton Township Cemetery for several years, on the board of trustees for the Marne Fire Department, and trustee for the Township of Brighton.

He loved to go get “parts” and play cards with the guys. He looked forward to attending the tractor pulls at the Iowa State Fair. He coached the fast pitch softball team in Marne for a number of years, and his grandchildren’s sporting events were at the top of his priority list.

Donald is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Pelzer and fiancée, Jody King of Atlantic, IA, Jon Pelzer and wife, Heather of Excelsior Springs, MO, his grandchildren, Alaena “Laeni” Pelzer and fiancé, Tyler Christensen of Audubon, IA, Blake Pelzer of Atlantic, IA, Corrine “Corri” Pelzer of Atlantic, IA, Cole Holaday of Elk Horn, IA, Gabrielle Holaday, Ashlee King, and Allan King all of Atlantic, IA, Alexandra “Alexa” Pelzer of Kearney, MO, and significant other, Sam Meyer, Zachary “Zach” Pelzer and significant other, Ariel O’Dell of Kearney, MO, Elijah “Eli” Pelzer and significant other, Katelyn Turner of Excelsior Springs, MO; sister, Norma Blake and her husband Richard of Hollister, MO; sister-in-law, Linda Lou Allen of Mesa, AZ; special friend, Janice Peterson of Atlantic, IA; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Pelzer, his parents, and brothers-in-law, Paul L. Oakes, Jr. and Mel Allen.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the Roland Funeral Home, with Pastor Jerry Neal of the Marne United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in the Brighton Township Cemetery, north of Marne, Iowa, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard.

A Masonic service will be held at 4:45 p.m., Saturday, March 14th followed by visitation with the family present from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Roland Funeral Home.

Roland Funeral Service of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Don's family and the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

In Loving Memory Of Donald Pelzer

BORN
July 12, 1936 - Atlantic, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
March 10, 2020 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
83 years, 7 months & 29 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2020
Roland Funeral Home
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Jerry Neal
United Methodist Church
Marne, Iowa

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“How Great Thou Art” by Alan Jackson
“Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin
“Remember When” by Alan Jackson
“John Deere Green” by Joe Diffy

CASKET BEARERS
Charlie Vogl
Derek Sanny
Devin Moeller
Rob Lambertsen
Alan Redler
Alan Schuler

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Jimmy Juelsgaard
Daryle Moeller
Alan Cranston
Bruce Henderson

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Elaine Martens
Carol Hemmingsen
Vickie Sanny
Janice Peterson

INTERMENT
Brighton Township Cemetery
Marne, Iowa

MILITARY HONORS
Atlantic Color Guard - Atlantic, Iowa