Stanley Ray Donat

Stanley Ray Donat

Stanley R. Donat, 90, of Randalia, died Monday, February 24, 2014, at Unity Point/ Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Union United Methodist Church in rural Sumner, IA, with Pastor Johnny Ray Tucker officiating. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery with military rites. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Stanley was born in rural Randalia, Iowa, on May 28, 1923, to Marion and Ruth (Dawson) Donat. He was baptized on May 6, 1928, at the Randalia Episcopal Church. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1941. He served in World War II under General Patton in the 253rd Armor Field Battalion, 1943-1946, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He met Phyllis Elizabeth Hof and was married at Union Church on July 14, 1946, after a brief six-week courtship. Stanley was a lifetime farmer and worked for John Deere as an inspector, retiring in 1973. He was an active member of Union United Methodist Church. Stanley and Phyllis were blessed with five children, Janice, James, Ray, Ann, and Patricia.

Stanley is survived by his children, Janice (Steve) Vorthmann of Sumner, James (Darise) Donat of Maynard, Pastor Ann Donat of Greene, and Dr. Patricia (Gil Katzenstein) Donat of Dahlonega, GA; daughter-in-law, Connie Donat Nuss of Sumner; fourteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and sister, Arlene Samuelson of Cedar Falls.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, who died in 2013; his parents; his son, Ray, who died in 2006; brothers, Gale and Eugene; and granddaughter Elizabeth.

Dennis & Deb Schnadt on February 28, 2014 at 1:12 PM said:

Sharing your loss in sympathy and in prayers. Blessed be Stan's memory.

Chaudron Gille on February 27, 2014 at 6:20 AM said:

Dear Pat,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chaudron

Merlin and Clara Diers Wendt on February 26, 2014 at 5:32 PM said:

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Stan Donat. Your father will be missed. May the many memories through the years bring you comfort. Wish we could be there to give you hugs and kind thoughts but will be with you in spirit. Love and hugs from Merlin and Clara

Jeff Arthur& Family on February 26, 2014 at 4:36 PM said:

Our condolences,at the passing of a magnificent man,may the rejoining of Phyllis in the Grand Foreverafter be as Beautiful as the imagination can muster,let us remaining on Earth cherish the wealth of having known Stan, until we meet again someday, Love, Jeff

Lynn Scott on February 26, 2014 at 12:34 PM said:

Janice and family:

My sincere condolences on your father's passing. You and your siblings are all very strong, compassionate and generous people and that comes from the love, support and "learning" that your parents gave you. It is a testament to Stan's and Phylis's faith and guidance. Take comfort in the knowledge that they are now together again and that both are finally free of thier earthly trials. You are all in my prayers.

Carol Miller on February 26, 2014 at 10:33 AM said:

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time. May peace be with you and your family

Joy Evans on February 26, 2014 at 8:56 AM said:

Having grown up in the Heartland, too (Des Moines and Council Bluffs), this notice takes me back to a place that has formed who I am as a person and brings back many rich memories. May the trip back to Iowa and your own roots bring you strength and feed your heart even amidst your sorrow. Joy

Stefanie Palma on February 26, 2014 at 8:53 AM said:

Dear Pat,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stefanie

Phil Collins on February 26, 2014 at 8:48 AM said:

Dear Pat,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. What a completely wonderful American life Mr. Donat led. You all must be so proud of him.
Sincere condolences,

Tom Walter on February 26, 2014 at 8:32 AM said:

I know that it is difficult to lose a loved one, especially a family member. I pray you can find comfort in the one who created all things. His love endures forever.

Tom

Shirley Davis on February 26, 2014 at 8:13 AM said:

Pat, I am so sorry to hear this news. It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially our parents, regardless of age. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family that you may find peace in this time of grief.
Shirley

Alice and Joel Sampson-Cordle on February 26, 2014 at 8:12 AM said:

Pat,
We are sorry for your family's and your loss. I hope your time with your family is provides opportunity for healing, reflection, and celebration of a life lived. We are thinking of you,

Alice

Anita Roush on February 26, 2014 at 7:59 AM said:

I am so sorry for your loss. May you somehow find peace.

Anita

Warren Martin on February 26, 2014 at 7:26 AM said:

Pat,

Please accept my condolences for your loss. While my mother's passing was expected, it was still a major shock and adjustment. I wish you the best in this difficult situation.

I did not know your father yet I was very impressed with the service he give to our country and his community. Certainly the actions at the Battle of the Bulge were especially meaningful.

Warren

Al Pan on February 26, 2014 at 7:11 AM said:

Pat and Family:

Please know that we are deeply touched by loss and grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Terri Carroll on February 26, 2014 at 7:07 AM said:

Although I didn't know your father, Pat, I know you to be a wonderful person, so I'm sure he was, also. I know you will miss him, and I pray that God will help you through this difficult time.

Terri

Ramona Robinson on February 26, 2014 at 7:02 AM said:

Pat and family,

My condolences to you all during this sad time. My prayer for you is that the God of all comfort, love, and peace will minister His sweet comfort, His steadfast love, and His gentle peace to your hearts now and in the days ahead.

Ramona

Sue Ann Kalish on February 26, 2014 at 6:54 AM said:

Dear Pat:
What a joy to have had your father around for his 90 years on this earth. I wish you and your family peace and light in the days ahead.
Heartfelt regards,
SueAnn

J.B. Sharma on February 26, 2014 at 6:51 AM said:

Dear Pat,
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. Wish you and your family strength, fortitude and healing at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
JB

Beth Arbuthnot on February 26, 2014 at 6:50 AM said:

Pat & Family,

I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Tom Preston on February 26, 2014 at 6:50 AM said:

Dear Pat and the Donat Family:

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathy.

Tom Preston

Burdette and Fran Rowland on February 25, 2014 at 7:25 PM said:

Stan was Burdette's roommate at MCM when he was in rehab. We extend our sympathy to all of you in the death of your loved one.

May your faith and memories give you comfort. RIP Stan.

Robin Niles on February 25, 2014 at 5:08 PM said:

I was deeply saddened at the news of Stan's passing. I will never forget the caring and love that he showed those in his life. I always looked to Stan as a father, and he always treated me like a son. While I can't be there in person, the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers always.

Steve Loshman on February 25, 2014 at 1:34 PM said:

So sorry to hear of uncle Stan's passing. Gina and I are out of the country this week and won't be able to see the family. I have many great memories growing up thinking about your whole family. I remember uncle Stan grabbing and squeezing my knee to make me laugh. I still remember when a mouse ran up my leg at the farm when I was very young. Still jumpy around mice since then. Again, I wish we could be there to see everyone. I will never forget Stan and others we have lost.

John and Maxine on February 25, 2014 at 9:13 AM said:

Pastor Ann and Family,

We just heard this morning of your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

With Christian Love, John and Maxine

Estelle Balch on February 25, 2014 at 8:43 AM said:

Pat and Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The death of someone close to us leave us shocked with grief. The ones we love are never truly gone, the body may have run its course, but the soul lives forever.

Pat on February 25, 2014 at 8:25 AM said:

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nancy Hanson on February 25, 2014 at 7:29 AM said:

Dear Pat and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. However, I rejoice that your father has joined your mother in eternal life. May God give you comfort and peace as you celebrate the life of your dad.

Nancy Hanson

Michele Formanek on February 24, 2014 at 8:06 PM said:

Janice & family,

I'm sorry to hear about your dads passing. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Love,
Michele, Jon, Sean, & Matthew

Dean and Judy Zupke on February 24, 2014 at 5:59 PM said:

Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all of the Donat family at this time. May the memories remain in your hearts.

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