A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with burial to follow at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Malcom, IA. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Malcom American Legion. Family will greet friends at a visitation held from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to Trinity Lutheran Church, Malcom,IA. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Don was born on January 6, 1947 in Grinnell, IA to Harry and Matilda (Harktkemeyer) Bauman. He was raised in Brooklyn and graduated from BGM in 1965. He continued his education at Iowa State University, leaving early to help his ill father run the family farm. Don eventually earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Buena Vista University.

On June 28, 1969, Don married Carol, the love of his life, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Malcom. To this union they had two daughters, Tami and Jenny.

Don began his 41 year career at Donaldson Company, retiring in 2013. Don also held his real estate license working for Meeker Real Estate and later Ramsey Weeks Real Estate.

Don was not only a hard worker, but always enjoyed a good conversation. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, generous soul and good sense of humor.

Don was an avid collector and enjoyed his numerous collections of coins, rulers, and other antiques. He was president of the Grinnell Coin Club and volunteered with the Donaldson’s Partnership in the Schools Program giving presentations at local schools. He also enjoyed being outdoors, riding his motorcycle, fishing and supporting the Iowa State and Iowa Hawkeye sports teams. Above all, Don loved his family and enjoyed every moment of attending his grandkid’s events.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters, Tami (Paul) Lai and their two children, Maylee (Zander Cuypers) Lai and Shae (Tony Ulaszek) Lai, and Jenny (Brad) Meling and their children, Dane Hansen, Dylan Hansen, Cheyenne (Pedro) Chavarria and Austin (Jennifer ) Meling ;great-grandchildren Peter Chavarria and Aurora Meling; sisters Marge (Paul) Christinson, Linda Faas, and Marilyn (Bill) Gile, sisters-in-law’s ; Sheryl Schwab , Darlene (Fritz) Dunning and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law Arlan Faas.