Donald R. Coleman

Donald R. Coleman, 79, formerly of Mason City, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center surrounded by family. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Ace’s Bar and Grill, 129 W. Main Ave., Rockford, from 12-3 p.m. 

Donald Ray Coleman was born on May 20, 1945, to parents Dr. W.C. and Mary Jane (Brink) Coleman in Lexington, KY. Don experienced frequent moves as his father progressed on his path to becoming a doctor. Don graduated from Interstate 35 High School in Truro, Iowa, in 1963. Immediately following graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a machinist. Don spoke highly of his time serving his country and enjoyed being at sea and on board the ship. Don was honorably discharged in 1967. 

Returning home, Don relocated to Indianola, where he met the love of his life, Vickie Wilkinson, and the couple were wed on February 14, 1969, at the Nazarene Church in Indianola. To this union, the couple were blessed with four children: Marty, Donna, Doreen, and Morgan. 

Don held various jobs throughout his career. In the early years, he was a truck driver, and he started his own forklift company, North Iowa Forklift Services, with his father-in-law, and two brothers-in-law. He later sold the business and worked for Northwest Byproducts. Don then purchased his own truck, and started working for Green Limestone in Nora Springs, until his retirement in 2013. 

In his spare time, Don had a passion for racecars, owning both a hobby stock and stock cars. He enjoyed restoring and repairing antique clocks, as well as spending time outdoors doing yardwork. Don was also an avid reader and had a love for country western music. He will be forever remembered as “The Man in Black”, wearing all black every day. Don cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved sharing stories of his younger days with his friends and family. As a devoted husband, he worked hard to provide for his family, and he deeply valued the time spent with his sister in his later years. Don was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was strong-minded, loyal, and ornery, and was known for being “a grumpy old man that loves people dearly.” He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him. 

Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Vickie Coleman; children, Donna (Travis) Christiansen, Doreen Coleman, Marty (Marcy) Coleman, and Morgan Coleman; grandchildren, Mike (Emily) Willsher, Danielle (Kris) Kunz, Jordan Christiansen, Ashley Ebrecht, Greg (Jaycee) Fielder, Emma Fielder, Jacelyn, Ellacyn, and Edric Coleman, Simon (Gaby) Coleman, Grayce and Alex Coleman, and Shayne Pederson; great grandchildren, Ellie Willsher, Quinn, Scottlyn, and Joie Kunz, Wesley Christiansen, Aiden and Caelynn Fielder, and Damon Ebrecht, Elayna and Ronan Fielder, and Vincent Coleman; sister, Carol (Richard) Buchanan; and his beloved dog, Molly.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Brenda and Sue; and a brother in infancy.