Donald Keith De Reus passed away at his rural home southwest of Monroe on Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the age of seventy-five. He was the youngest of three children born to Gysbert and Agnes (Henderson) De Reus near Prairie City, Iowa, on January 23, 1939.

Don attended Maple Grove 10 Country School near Prairie City until the 7th grade. In 1952 his family moved to a farm southwest of Monroe. Don graduated from Monroe High School with the class of 1957. He was active in the FFA and received the American Farmer Degree. He served with the Army National Guard in Knoxville from 1960-1966.

Don was united in marriage with Nora Joan Van Essen on November 10, 1961, at the Otley Reformed Church. They were blessed with one son, Kevin Wayne, born on December 31, 1964. Don was a farmer until 1999 when his health failed due to Parkinson's disease. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1994 and with cancer in January 1998.

Don was a member of the Prairie City Methodist Church and later his membership was transferred to the Otley Reformed Church. There he served as a deacon, elder, taught 4th grade Sunday School, and helped on Wednesday evenings with Family Night. He was also a member of the Gideons and looked forward to handing out Bibles. Don was a leader of the Du-R-Best 4-H Club for many years. He also enjoyed listening to southern gospel music.

Those honoring his memory are: his loving and devoted wife of fifty-three years; his son Kevin Wayne and wife Jodi Lea; five wonderful grandchildren who he loved very much, Jonathan Nicholas, Emily Christine, Sarah Joy, Benjamin Morris, and Katelyn Hope; a brother and his wife, Ernest Ray and Norma Darlene De Reus of rural Prairie City; a sister, Alice Faye Frank of Prairie City; and two nieces and one nephew.

Those preceding him in death were: his parents; brother-in-law, George A. Frank; a niece, Rita Frank, and two grandsons in infancy; his parents-in-law, Roy and Sarah (Wouda) Van Essen.

Don was a gentle, caring, faithful Christian man who will be greatly missed by all.

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M., Monday, December 22, 2014
Otley Reformed Church
Otley, Iowa

VISITATION

Beginning at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, December 21, 2014
with family present 3:00- 5:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Gideons International or
Hospice of Pella

INTERMENT

Monroe Silent City Cemetery