Donald W. Schaben

   Donald William, son of Clarence ‘Bud’ and Catherine (Block) Schaben, was born February 23, 1935 at Defiance, Iowa. Don grew up on the family farm and as the oldest son helped with chores before going to school. He graduated from St. Paul’s School in Defiance in 1952. After completing his schooling, Don worked on a section crew for the Milwaukee Railroad by Portsmouth. He then operated the Standard Oil Station in Defiance for a short time.

      On February 9, 1957, Don was united in marriage with Judith Boeck at Sacred Heart Church in Manilla. They made their home in Defiance and were the parents of six children. Don worked at Farmland Foods, a packing house, in Denison for 35 years. Don and Judy cooked for Bingo, weddings, funerals and other activities at St. Peter’s Church in Defiance over the years. He played softball and enjoyed coaching a girl’s softball team. Playing cards with his friends and fishing, especially catfish fishing at Storm Lake, were great enjoyments during his life. Don was a Chicago Cubs baseball fan since 1945 and he lived to see their World Series win last year.  Don and Judy celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2017.

   As Don’s health failed Judy faithfully cared for him in their home.  However, due to the progression of his Alzheimer’s disease, Don moved to the St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll in 2012.  He then moved to the Manning Plaza Nursing Home in November of 2015. Don died there surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 15, 2017.  He was 82 years, 1 month and 23 days of age.

   Don is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers Adolph ‘Addie’ Schaben; Dennis Schaben and Warren ‘Tobe’ Schaben and brother-in-laws Leo McCollough and Lyle Christensen.

   He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Schaben of Manning; six children: Gwen and husband Jeff Jahn of Manning; Donna and husband Dan Arp of Manning; Brenda and husband Steve Gross of Earling; Sandy and husband Terry Tremel of Houston, TX; Bryce Schaben and wife Carrie of Defiance; and Jaclyn and husband John Ohde of Manning; 9 granddaughters and 9 grandsons; 13 great-grandchildren, including 2 sets of twins; three sisters Mary and husband Rich Muell of Missouri Valley; Alice McCollough of Carroll; and Marlene Christensen of Elk Horn; brother Allen Schaben and wife Joann of Harlan; sister-in law Luann Schaben of Defiance; other relatives and many friends.

Celebrant
Reverend Guthrie Dolan

Mass Servers

Sam, Ben and Sydney Wegner

 

        Eucharistic Minister         Gina Schmitz Petitions Mitch Gross

              Lectors              

Jake Schaben   Christina Tremel

 

Gift Bearers   Gina Schmitz    Troy Schaben   Communion Meditation Jess Schaben   Sydney Wegner   Music

“Prayer of St. Francis”     “Be Not Afraid”

“On Eagle’s Wings”   “Irish Blessing”    “Song of Farewell”

Tracey Amano, Musician

  Casket Bearers – Grandsons Kevin Arp    Cory Arp    Josh Schaben Jake Schaben   Zach Jahn   Mitch Gross   Neil Gross   Sam Wegner   Ben Wegner   Honorary Casket Bearers – Granddaughters Jenny Nowland   Tara Herrold   Danielle Segebart
Darcy Jordan   Jill Tremel   Christina Tremel   Katie Cutts   Jess Schaben   Sydney Wegner   Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery, Defiance
<iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/6NS627X6JRMJWX9S" width="512"></iframe>