David Donaldson

David Wayne Donaldson, 71, was born on Aug. 16, 1953, in Spencer, to proud parents Darrel and Beverly (Woodford) Donaldson. He grew up on his parents' farm east of Webb. He attended Garfield Webb Elementary and graduated from South Clay in 1971. He continued his education at Northwestern College in Orange City and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. His first job was as director of Crest Group Home in Des Moines. He later returned to the Webb area to farm and raise livestock.

During this time, Dave married his beautiful wife, lifelong companion and soul mate, Anita Schuiteman, on June 21, 1985, in Sioux Center. They enjoyed several years of farm life with their chocolate Labradors, Jewel and Sheena. At that time, Anita was an elementary teacher in Spencer. In 1990, they moved from the farm to Spencer to be closer to their jobs, as Dave accepted a position at what is now known as Village Northwest in Sheldon. A few years later, Dave accepted a position as a case manager for the State of Iowa Department of Human Services in Spencer. He retired in 2011 to pursue his hobbies and other interests.

Dave's faith was very important to him even as a young child, where he was a member of First Baptist Church in Webb. Later in life, he was a member of Hope Reformed Church where he served as an elder, a deacon, a youth group sponsor, and he also served on some mission trips to Haiti.

Interests and hobbies that Dave enjoyed included reading, crafts, gardening, camping, canoeing, fishing, walking and puzzles. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. One of his favorite places to visit was the family cabin at Garfield Lake in northern Minnesota.

Dave passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 18, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Darrel Donaldson, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 39 years, Anita; his mom, Beverly, and her husband Robert Stewart of Spencer; his brother, Alan (Linda) Donaldson of Orange City, and their children, Carissa Donaldson, Shandra (Nick) Van Berkum and Jantina (Nick) Burke; his sister, Linda (Tim) Gray of Everly, and their children, Jennifer (Chris) Kipfer, Isaiah (Whitney) Gray and Sam Gray; his sister, Janice Donaldson of Dickens; numerous in-laws; many great nieces and great nephews; other relatives and many friends.