Donald Heald
January 31, 1926 — November 13, 2017
Donald R. Heald, 91, formerly of Marion, passed away November 13, 2017, at St. Luke’s Living Center West in Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Marion, where family will greet friends beginning at 9:30. A private family committal service will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Don was born to Barclay and Edith Heald on their farm near Whittier, Iowa in 1926, the third of four children. He took an early interest in aviation and earned his pilot’s license before graduating from Springville High School in 1943. Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served three years as a B-26 tail gunner during WWII, then was a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol until 1978. He worked in the life insurance field for 63 years, was active in Rotary, and was a member of the American Legion.
Don married Gerri Preis in 1947 and had one son, Terry Heald. Both preceded him in death. Survivors include daughter-in-law Peg Heald (Marion); granddaughter Julie Heald (Cedar Rapids); grandson John Heald and wife Jeanne, great-granddaughters Abigail, Natalie, and Tenley (Marion); special friend Pat Boddicker (Cedar Rapids); and treasured nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed aviation history, jazz music, dancing, and making memories with his family. Don will be remembered for his gentle spirit and ability to connect with people through telling stories and witty jokes.
Don was born to Barclay and Edith Heald on their farm near Whittier, Iowa in 1926, the third of four children. He took an early interest in aviation and earned his pilot’s license before graduating from Springville High School in 1943. Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served three years as a B-26 tail gunner during WWII, then was a pilot for the Civil Air Patrol until 1978. He worked in the life insurance field for 63 years, was active in Rotary, and was a member of the American Legion.
Don married Gerri Preis in 1947 and had one son, Terry Heald. Both preceded him in death. Survivors include daughter-in-law Peg Heald (Marion); granddaughter Julie Heald (Cedar Rapids); grandson John Heald and wife Jeanne, great-granddaughters Abigail, Natalie, and Tenley (Marion); special friend Pat Boddicker (Cedar Rapids); and treasured nieces and nephews.
He enjoyed aviation history, jazz music, dancing, and making memories with his family. Don will be remembered for his gentle spirit and ability to connect with people through telling stories and witty jokes.
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