Memorial

Donald “Donnie” Dwain Cole, 80, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025, after complications with Lymphoma.  He lived a wonderfully full life in his eighty years. 

Donnie was born on December 3, 1944, in Lansing, Iowa, the son of John W. and Welhelmina “Minnie” (Schobert) Cole. He had five brothers; Ralph Cole, Delbert Cole, Roy Cole, Tom Cole, and Wally Cole and two sisters Kay Bird and Edith Turkington. 

He grew up in Waukon in a farming community. He graduated from Shellsburg Consolidated High School in 1963. 

In 1963 he married Carla Marie McClurg. They had three children Cherri Davis, Shelly (Michael) Huylar, and Jerry (Brandelyn) Cole. He was then gifted with 6 grandchildren Christine (Josh) Knox and Jennifer Davis, Gillian and Blake Huylar, and Ethan and Brookelyn Cole.
 
On November 18, 1978, he married the love of his life Verla Maye Clark. They were married for forty years. They lived in Walker and later moved to Cedar Rapids, IA. He had two step sons Scott (Becki) Clark and Robert (Kim) Clark. They were then blessed with seven additional grandchildren: Brendon Petersmith, Lindsey Petersmith, Travis Clark, Kiley (Mike) Bessette, Ashley (Jace) Clark, Kyle (Taylor) Clark, and Haylee Clark. In addition, he had eight great grandchildren: Ryleigh and River Clark, Hudson Clark, Emilee and Nicholas Petersmith, Noah Long, and Lola and Wyatt Bessette.

Donnie worked in security for Lewis Systems. 

Donnie loved hunting, fishing, golfing and shooting. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. He was a devoted husband. After Verla passed, he was so grateful to have the friendship of his brothers Roy, Wally and Delbert. 
    
In accordance with Donnie’s wishes, in lieu of a public service, a family celebration of life will be held at a future date to be determined. 
 
Our family would like to thank Unity Point Hospice and Unity Point St. Luke’s Living Center West for their genuine care and support during this difficult time.