Don Hattery was a man of many talents. Successful businessman, exemplary provider of community service, beloved husband & father, and perhaps not as obvious to many but certainly as important, a builder of skilled engineers and leaders. Don and Jim Shive had the vision to build an employee owned and employee controlled professional organization that has stood the test of time. As a result of the unselfish and well thought out corporate structure they established, Shive Hattery Architects and Engineers has grown and prospered. Don & Jim worked from day one to identify both technical and administrative personnel with potential to create and maintain a successful company. When Jim passed unexpectedly, and too soon, Don did double duty and provided both the leadership and direction to continue the development of the company and the people. Don will be missed, but he will remain in the hearts and memories of the many who were impacted by him. And those of us who worked with him are very much aware of the woman beside the man. In addition to her individual accomplishments, we all benefited from Mary Lou’s input and influence throughout Don’s illustrious career.
Farewell to a wonderful couple, and blessings to their family…
Bob DeWitt
April 21, 2026
Don and Mary Lou were two very special people in our lives. Don was a charismatic and forward thinking leader of whom we were most proud to be associated with. I (Dale) joined the firm in 1975 and experienced the growth of the firm from a 40 to 50 person civil engineering firm to a 400 person full service Architectural and Engineering firm. I too had to sell my shares. Mary Lou was a first class lady and always made everyone (employees and spouses) feel special. We cherish our memories of them both!
Dale and Cheryl Moore
April 8, 2026
What a beautiful and romantic way of passing. Don and Mary were such incredible and joyful people. I appreciated the work by Don when he would ask my musical band Daugherty Davis and McPartland to play at the annual Shive Hattery Christmas party. He always enjoyed having live music and I never realize he played the trombone, otherwise I would’ve had him sit in with our band! We should all live such wonderful lives. Condolences to Mike and Anne and the rest of the family.
Tim Daugherty
March 26, 2026
As a Phi Psi at SUI I was a close friend of John and we shared countless "b-sessions" discussing John's brother, Don, and his lovely wife, Mary Lou, and because of that, I am feeling the loss of Don and Mary Lou very personally.
Also, John, I'd love to hear from you after all these years.
Lin Kemp
March 26, 2026
Hattery Family,
I am sad to hear about your parents passing, they both meant a ton to my father, sharing his love for art and music, rest in peace Don An Mary Lou
Eugene S. pinney
March 25, 2026
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Donald or Mary Lou. However their story caught my eye so I was so happy to read it. The world needs more people like the Hattery's. I am sure their family and friends will miss them very much. When I am gone I hope to run into them , maybe riding in the hot hair balloon. With loving thought from a stranger for now. Sandra Duwa
Sandra S. Duwa
March 24, 2026
Don and Mary Lou were fellow residents at Cottage Grove Place. They were good friends and neighbors.
Don was a part of the writing group at Cottage Grove Place. He was an excellent writer who knew how to tell a story. He shared many insightful things with the group. We learned about McGregor, Iowa.
I knew Don as a businessman and a fellow Mason. He was dedicated to the development of Cedar Rapids in all its aspects. I enjoyed the sparkle that would occur in his eye when he was about to share an insight.
I join the family in celebrating their lives. We are all better because they were here.
God's blessings on you all.
William C. Jacobson Fellow writer.
William Jacobson
March 24, 2026
A wonderful story! An obituary with whimsy, accomplishments, family and love. They demonstrate why LOVE is the most powerful force in the universe! Forever young and forever together.
Jeff Thorsteinson
March 24, 2026
Don & Mary Lou were the most wonderful people! They were very important members of the CR community for many years. They were a fun couple and such nice people! I was privileged to have known them! To their family please accept my deepest sympathy.
Dr. John Wollner
John Wollner
March 22, 2026