I am so very sorry that my condolence message is so late, but isn’t it ironic that I’m seeing his obituary exactly one year after his passing! I never met Donn, but he served on the Orion with my father, Jack Condon. They’d lost touch over the years but reconnected during an Orion reunion...the rekindled friendship was a blessing for both Donn and my dad! After my father passed, in 2009, Donn reached out to me. We talked frequently, he shared Navy stories that perhaps a daughter shouldn’t have heard, but it gave him great pleasure to relive those days in Australia with me. We laughed heartily during long phone conversations. He sent me Birthday and holiday cards. He told me he was caring for me as a Shipmate would care for another’s family! I loved him. I ride to help him, long distance, when he began to struggle...and I was able to track him down when you so kindly moved him to assisted living. THANK YOU Donn, for the love and care you extended to me. I will NEVER forget you. Fair winds and following seas, Sailor. Rest peacefully. I love you ??
Joanne Condon
August 23, 2019
My name is John Willett. I am an attorney in Tama and have practiced law more than 50 years.
I met Donn and his brother Richard when they were Executors of their father's estate. Their father and your grandfather/great-grandfather was Mayor "Dopey" Carnal, a very colorful individual!
As I recall, their father had remarried and their stepmother survived. During the administration of the estate your father and your uncle asked if they could transfer their father's home to their stepmother. They wanted to make sure that she was taken care of for the rest of her life and they commented that she had been a good wife to their father. They transferred full and complete title to their stepmother.
I have handled hundreds of estates but I want to tell you that this was one of the kindest acts I have ever seen from stepchildren towards their stepmother. I always had great respect for your father and uncle for their actions. They certainly weren't required to do anything whatsoever for their stepmother but they did so.
I wanted you to have this story as a part of your family heritage to pass on to the next generation.
My condolences on the passing of your father but I do have this wonderful memory of him.
JOHN J. WILLETT
September 11, 2018
My name is John Willett. I am an attorney in Tama and have practiced law more than 50 years.
I met Donn and his brother Richard when they were Executors of their father's estate. Their father and your grandfather/great-grandfather was Mayor "Dopey" Carnal, a very colorful individual!
As I recall, their father had remarried and their stepmother survived. During the administration of the estate your father and your uncle asked if they could transfer their father's home to their stepmother. They wanted to make sure that she was taken care of for the rest of her life and they commented that she had been a good wife to their father. They transferred full and complete title to their stepmother.
I have handled hundreds of estates but I want to tell you that this was one of the kindest acts I have ever seen from stepchildren towards their stepmother. I always had great respect for your father and uncle for their actions. They certainly weren't required to do anything whatsoever for their stepmother but they did so.
I wanted you to have this story as a part of your family heritage to pass on to the next generation.
My condolences on the passing of your father but I do have this wonderful memory of him.
JOHN J. WILLETT
September 11, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Donn's passing. He was the sweetest man. I gave flu shots at the Marion Hy-Vee the last several years. He would always come on my days of giving shots and give me a kiss on the cheek. I have missed him for a couple of years and have asked but the pharmacy staff never really knew what happened. I see he moved to LaCrosse to be near family. God bless this sweet and kind man. May your memories comfort you in the coming days and weeks. Rest in peace Donn.
K'Dean Dunnwald
September 9, 2018
Richard and family/So sorry to hear your dad passed away. I have many memories of him and your mom. They were always having fun and laughing. He made me laugh when he told his silly jokes. Nothing better than a smile on your face and I hope you are smiling.
Jane Ahrens Pilz
September 9, 2018
I was saddened to read of Donn's passing. The entire Carnal family was close to my family. So many memories, smiles, and laughter. Rest in Peace, Donn, and thanks to you, and your precious Arlette, for driving my mom and dad to Decorah to see my classroom, one month before my mom died in 1997. Rick, my heart breaks for you and your family. God Bless you for moving him to La Crosse so he could be with you.Your dad was one of the best men I ever knew!!
Kristine Johnson Moellers Croatt
September 9, 2018