Donald Cyril Recker

Donald Cyril Recker

Springville

Donald “Donnie” Cyril Recker, 86, formerly of Anamosa, Iowa, and Springville, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, surrounded by his family. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, November 9th, 2023, at the Youth Development Center at the Great Jones County Fairgrounds, 800 North Maple Street, Monticello, Iowa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, Iowa where friends may also call one hour prior to the service. A livestream of the service will be available at the time of service at https://youtube.com/live/kchbqW7Tk64?feature=share.

Donnie was born October 19, 1937, in Earlville, Iowa, to Alois and Ethel (Besler) Recker. He married the love of his life, Mary Jeanne Donovan, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Castle Grove, Iowa, in 1958. Together they raised four children and farmed near Anamosa before moving to Springville in 2009. In his younger days, Donnie was a left-handed pitcher and played baseball for the Monticello Cubs, a semi-pro baseball team. He was well known for a drop ball that was almost impossible to hit. He later played men’s league slow pitch softball at Castle Grove. Donnie enjoyed spending his time outdoors, his favorite times of year being spring, when everything came to life on the farm, and harvest when he could celebrate the fruits of his labor. (And we can’t forget another favorite- the “five best days of summer” he and Mary Jeanne spent at the Great Jones County Fair every year.) Throughout his many years as a farmer, he cultivated not only crops but also enduring relationships with those around him. Neighbors and friends often sought his kind advice, as well as a helping hand. His unwavering work ethic, integrity, and generosity were the qualities that defined him. Beyond the fields and barns, he had a passion for fishing, golfing, playing euchre with friends, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Donnie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion, Iowa.

Donnie’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his four children, daughter, Gwen (Tom) Herder of Robins, and three sons, Marty Recker of St. Charles, Missouri, Steve (Kim) Recker of Raeford, North Carolina, and Patrick (Tami) Recker of Monticello; eight grandchildren, Amanda (Andrew) Watters, Shane (Caitlin) Herder, Anthony Recker, Alexandria (Rachel) Recker, Avery Recker, Donovan Recker, Maria Recker, and Justin Recker; and five great-grandchildren, Stella, Theodore, Alfie, and Matilda Watters, and Henry Herder; sisters, Judy (Lester) Kehoe of Monticello and Jean (Ernie) Haas of Highland Village, Texas; brother, Dick (Barb) Recker of Manchester, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Jeanne; infant son, Joseph; and twin brothers, Jim and Joe Recker.

The family is grateful to Keystone Cedars Assisted Living & Terrace Glen Village. We are truly touched by your loving and compassionate care.

Memorials may be directed to his family.

Please share a memory of Donnie at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.