Donald Lew Ytzen, 86, of Clear Lake, IA, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave North, Clear Lake, IA, with Rev Harlan Seri from the First Congregational Church officiating. Burial will take place in Clear Lake Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave North, Clear Lake, IA.
Masks are strongly encouraged… please respect the family’s wishes.
Don was born on November 15, 1935, the son of Louie and Mary (Carlson) Ytzen of Thornton, IA. He was 1954 graduate of Thornton High School. On October 23, 1955 Don married his high school sweetheart Judy Pitkin. From this loving union three children were born. Don was a retired farmer. As a proud farmer Don enjoyed raising livestock, planting crops, “farming from the windshield” and always ready to lend a hand. Don was a very hard working person, always putting his family first and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Being a hard worker he enjoyed what he did. When Don wasn’t found working he could be found spending time with his family and friends. In his early years, he occasionally would take hunting and fishing trips. Later on he enjoyed doing puzzles, bird watching, gardening, camping, and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, Vikings and Packers. Something Don did forever was make his own “homemakeit” ice cream for special holidays. Don spent several holiday seasons ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. For Don and Judy’s 50 year wedding anniversary they took a cruise to Alaska, it was the highlight of their many vacations together. The couple took many RV trips.
Those left to cherish memories of Don are his wife of 66 years, Judy; children, DeAnn (Jeff) Robak, Debra (Bill) Goeken and Bob (Deb) Ytzen; six grandsons; 15 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Galen (Cecelia) Pitkin; sister-in-law, Sandy Pitkin: as well as six nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by both his parents, as well as a sister, June; and brother-in-law David Pitkin.
For those unable to attend the funeral service a livestream will be held at the time of the service on the Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel Facebook page.
colonialchapels.com
