Donald “Donnie” R. Lala

Donald “Donnie” R. Lala

Center Point

Donald “Donnie” R. Lala, 78, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away Friday, May 24, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Anchor Bible Church in Center Point. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at the church with Pastor Andrew Happ officiating. Burial will follow at Walker Cemetery in Walker, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point is assisting the family.

Don was born September 2, 1945, in rural Center Point, the son of Madelene (Woodward) and Leo Lala, Sr. He graduated from Center Point Consolidated High School, Class of 1963. Don was united in marriage to Marilyn Mae Gilmer on July 19, 1970, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Maynard, Iowa. He managed the family farm in rural Center Point and worked part-time for Hawkeye Seed Company for 18 years, until its closure in 2003. Don loved spending time outdoors, particularly farming, hunting, and fishing. A lifelong baseball fan, Don played high school baseball, slowpitch softball, and enjoyed watching games.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Marilyn Lala of Center Point; children, Beth (Bill) Cubbage of Clearwater, Florida, and Chris (Katie) Lala of Coggon, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Will, Alisen (Cory), Rubee, Haiden, Aubree, Willow, and Easton; three great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Jackson, and Samuel; sister, Mardella (Rollie) Hausman of Columbia, Missouri; brother, Leo Lala, Jr. of Mason City, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mariella (Carl) Blake; brothers, Robert (Leone) Lala and Gene (Caroline) Lala; and best friend, Ed Kubik.

Memorials may be directed to Anchor Bible Church, 275 Green Street W, Center Point, IA 52213.

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