Obituary of Donald Joseph Lakeman

Donald J. Lakeman, 80, of Dyersville, Iowa died Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Stonehill Care Center, Dubuque, Iowa. Friends may call from 2 - 8 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa where a parish scripture service will be held at 4 p.m. and an American Legion Service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 22, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Robert Gross and Deacon Jerry Miller will assist. Don was born October 5, 1929, in Dubuque, IA the son of Charlie & Sabina (Kutsch) Lakeman. On July 11 1953, Don married Mary Ellen (Reicher) Lakeman at St Francis Xavier Basilica & together they raised 7 children. Don was an honest, industrious and honorable man. God, country & family was the foundation for his life. Following his service in the Korean War, Don was co-owner of the Dyersville Home Improvement Co. until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion and a Dyersville Volunteer Fireman. Don's favorite past time was sports. Don played baseball for many years then shared his talents as a Little League Coach. Don was well known as a basketball and football referee. In 2001, he was inducted into the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame. Most of all he was a sports fan for his family, spending many hours enjoying the kids & grandkids events. Don is survived by his wife of 56 years: Mary Ellen, 7 children: Linda (Michael) Lannan of Bettendorf, IA, Peggy (Dick) Happ of Galesburg, IL, Michael (Sherry) Lakeman of Fort Scott, KS, Jan (Neal) Geerdes of Lakeville, MN, Lori (Mark) Geistkemper of Dyersville, IA, Myra (John Curry) Waddell of Lake Zurich, IL, David (Jane)Lakeman of LeClaire, IA; 10 grandchildren: Katie (Rob) Knowles, Maria (Chris) Keck, Sarah Austin, Donny Lakeman, Liz (Adam Benyo) Geistkemper, Tony Geistkemper, Tricia Geistkemper, Ashley Waddell, Amanda Waddell and Jacqui Geerdes; 3 great grandchildren Addison Keck, Dayton and Christian Austin; Don is also grandpa to 6 step-grandchildren & 6 step-great grandchildren; 1 brother, Dick (Mary Fran) Lakeman of Dyersville, IA. Don is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Sabina and grandson, Billy Notz. Our family wishes to thank the many people who have graced Don with their prayers. We are also grateful for the caring people at Stonehill Care Center & Hospice of Dubuque. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Francis Xavier Basilica.