Donn was born August 13, 1946 . Growing up on a farm north of State Center, he was the oldest of 4 children born to Ralph W. and Helen A (Szynal) Anderson. Donn graduated from West Marshall in 1964. He immediately started working at Fisher Controls after graduating but shortly enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam era. He served as a postal clerk aboard the mercy ship USS Sanctuary outside Da Nang. Once he was discharged he went back to work at Fisher Controls, retiring in 2006. He earned his AA degree from MCC and joined the Navy reserves, later retiring from the Navy Reserves. Donn was an avid sportman. He supported local high school sports as well as Iowa based college teams. He married his beloved wife Pat at the First Congregational Church in September 1984 and became a happy stepfather to Pat’s daughter Shannon. One of Donn’s most cherished memories was when, as an adult, Shannon asked him to formally adopt her. He and Pat hosted 3 German foreign exchange students over the years, all from the same family. He remained in contact with them over the years as well as family and friends.. He was active in the life of First Congregational Church, serving several terms on the Board of Diaconate and helping out by making coffee every Sunday and opening the church among other duties. He would accompany Pat when she would practice after hours to guard her, going to Dairy Queen or Taylor’s Maid-Rite afterwards as his reward. He was very supportive of her music ministry and crafting. Donn was an animal lover, always wanting to adopt another cat from the colony he fed outside. He is survived by his beloved cats Izzy, Lily and Oreo, who will miss him dearly. Donn was well liked and had a cheerful outgoing personality. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. 

Donn is survived by his wife, Pat, of Marshalltown; daughter, Shannon Wolcott, of Ankeny; his sister, Linda (Jim) Monroe of Cedar Rapids; his sister- and brother-in-law, Barbara (Ron) Johnson of Georgetown, Texas; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins, his foreign exchange students Nils (Alexandra) Boenicke and their children of Westport, CT, Wiebke (Dr. Marc) Ruf and Ulf Boenicke all of Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John and Tom, his mother-in-law, Avis Moss, all of his paternal and maternal aunts and uncles; and one paternal and one maternal first cousin. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, Lincoln Valley Golf Course and First Congregational Church. 

Memorials can be sent in his name to the Animal Rescue League, Iowa River Hospice House or First Congregational Church.