Donald J. Picken

Donald J. Picken, 92, of Mason City, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue with Rev. Jim Magelssen officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue and continue at the church one hour prior to services. Memorials may be directed to the Don Picken Memorial Fund. Don was born January 15, 1917 in Floyd, Iowa the son of William and Carrie (Wade) Picken. A graduate of Floyd Consolidated High School, he enlisted in the US Army on October 8, 1941. Don was lead navigator on a B17 attaining the rank of 1st lieutenant. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight. In addition, he received the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action on April 6, 1944. Don returned home to marry Marcella Holstad on May 13, 1945 at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett. Don later received his honorable discharge in St. Louis, Missouri. He worked as a carpenter for Iowa Builders. In 1959, Don started working for Curries Mfg. Company and would continue his employment there until he retired in 1982. Following retirement, he enjoyed woodworking projects for his family, friends, and church. Don enjoyed, hunting, fishing, trapping, golfing and his geraniums.

Don is survived by his children, Arlyn (Connie) Picken of Winona, Minnesota, Sandra (Richard) Calhoun of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Dave (Chris) Picken of Reunion, Colorado; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Sandra) Picken of Floyd.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marcella; 1 brother, Kenneth and 2 sisters, Inez Blunt and Clarice Goddard.