Donald Best

ROCKWELL Donald Ray Best, age 83, of Rockwell, IA, passed away unexpectedly at his home Friday, October 30, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, at Rockwell United Methodist Church, 303 Madison St. W., Rockwell, IA, with Rev. John Scherb officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, November 2, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Donald Best Memorial Fund in care of the family.

Don was born March 28, 1926, on a farm south of Belmond, the son of Ray and Ella (Kurtz) Best. He attended country schools in the Belmond area. He was baptized at St. Johns Episcopal Church and he attended the Rockwell United Methodist Church. On December 7, 1952, Don was united in marriage to Mary M. Grabbe. From that union, two children were born. Don was an avid farmer. He enjoyed farming for 70 years. He loved gathering with friends and sharing stories. He also loved John Deere tractors. Most of all, he loved his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Best, of Clear Lake; a daughter, Diane Cornick, of Waverly; grandchildren, Kiefer, Kaleb, and Karissa; sister-in-law, Jo Best of Clear Lake; two nieces, Kathy Sinnwell, Lori Beatty, both of Mason City; nephew, Dennis Dawson of Becker, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dale; sisters, Velma and Dorothy; brother Roger.