Memorial
Donald Bahm (86) of Marion, Iowa passed away on December 27, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held at 5pm on Friday January 3, 2020 at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service starting at 4pm.
Donald Ray Bahm was born July 31, 1933 in Superior, Wisconsin the son of Raymond and Esther Bahm. Donald graduated from Marion High School in 1951. He was united in marriage to Joan Cayler on July 9, 1958. Donald served in the US Army as a specialist E5 from 1958-1964 receiving two letters of commendation. He worked at Northwestern Bell and US West from 1951-1995 and Swisher Telephone company for 5 years. He attended several technical schools. In 1989 Don received the pioneer of the year award in Omaha. He belonged to the Telephone Pioneers and volunteered with various groups, including St. Luke’s Hospital, for 30 years. On July 31, 2004 he received the state of Iowa Recognition award from Governor Culver which was on Don’s 75th birthday. In May 2007 he received the Shining Star award from Governor Culver. Don worked at Iowa Popcorn during his retirement for 6 years until he was 80. He was a natural storyteller that spoke fondly of his time in the Army and the people he met throughout his life. Anyone that has crossed paths with Don would describe him as a kind soul who would always put the needs of others ahead of his own. He enjoyed spending time with family-fishing, playing cards & watching the Hawkeye’s play.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years Joan, three daughters Melinda (J) Myers of Marion, Melissa (Brian) Lawrence of Chandler, AZ and Melody (Steven) Smith of Marion; a sister Linda (John) Berthot of Mt. Vernon; six grandchildren Scott Alderson, Stacey Straub, Ariel Pogue, Kyle Lawrence, Evan Smith, Colby Kaplan; two great grandchildren Lillian and Emmett Straub; four nephews Tim Cayler, Mark Cayler, Frank Boyer, and Michael Berthot; two nieces Crystal Mowrer and Angela Berthot; a sister-in law Janet Boyer of Marion and brother-in-law Jim (Ann) Cayler of Topeka, Kansas; cousin Don Kroening of Marion. Don was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial donations may be directed to Unity Point Hospice or Last Hope Animal Rescue.