Donald Kerr

Donald Calvin, son of Francis L. and Charlotte M. (Vennink) Kerr, was born August 16, 1917, on the farm in Shelby County, south of Manilla, Iowa. He graduated as the salutatorian from Manilla High School and attended business college in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he also worked on a train for the railroad post office. At the age of 19 after four lessons, Don earned his solo pilot's license. Don served as a Captain and Squadron Leader in the United States Air Force from 1941 to 1945. He flew C47 airplanes during WWII, and then served in the reserves for twelve years. Don flew for American Airlines for two years following his honorable discharge. Don was united in marriage with Helyn M. Hoss on September 19, 1939, at Carroll. Three children were born to this union. They lived various places in the United States while Donald was in the military. They farmed southeast of Manilla after 1948. Helyn died in 1984. Don was united in marriage with Jean Peterson on January 31, 1987, at Elliott. She died in January of 2012. Don flew his own airplane from the "farm airport" until 1980. He also enjoyed playing cards, reading, golf and building models. Don had a great sense of humor and would stop work to watch his favorite cartoons: Huckleberry Hound, Bullwinkle, and Peabody and his boy Sherman. He had a nickname for most people in his life. In his retirement, Don enjoyed wintering in Arizona. He was an active member for over 50 years of the Masonic Lodge, as well as a member of the V.F.W. and National Rifle Association. Don attended the United Church in Manilla. On Christmas Eve 2009, Don moved to the Manilla Manor Nursing Home. After just a week in and out of the hospital, he died suddenly and unexpectedly at the Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, Iowa, on Friday, March 23, 2012. Don was 94 years, 7 months and 7 days of age. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Helyn Kerr; wife Jean Kerr; and sisters Madelyn Cornwell (Glen) and Rachel McKeighan (Bill). Don is survived by his children: Michael Kerr (Jane) of Pleasanton, CA; Alex Kerr and fiancé Janella Swanson of Seattle, WA; and Sandra Sorensen (Don) of Fayetteville, NC; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Memorial donations may be made to Don's granddaughter, Kristen Sorenson, to offset expenses as she awaits a heart/lung transplant. Checks may be sent to Sandy Sorensen, 1829 Bryn Mawr Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28304. Casket Bearers ALEX KERR MICHAEL KERR NICHOLAS KERR TIMOTHY KERR JEREMY STANGL DUANE STANGL Honorary Casket Bearers GARY DELAROND DAVID HEMMINGER Interment with Military Honors NISHNABOTNA CEMETERY, MANILLA, IOWA AMERICAN LEGION POST 132