Donald "Sonny" Irlbeck

Visitation and Prayers Visitation 5 PM to 8 PM Prayer Service 7 PMFriday, January 6, 2012 Johnson & Woodhouse Funeral Home Coon Rapids, Iowa The Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 7, 2012 Annunciation ChurchCoon Rapids, Iowa Celebrants Father Andrew Hoffman Deacon Louie Meiners Message In Music Faye Seidl, Organist Annunciation Choir Lectors Amy Helgerson & Mary Ebert Gift Bearers Donna Shanks     Beth Irlbeck Andrea Irlbeck     Megan Irlbeck Casket Bearers Mike Irlbeck     David Irlbeck     Mark Irlbeck Adam Ebert     Ben Shanks     Matt Helgerson Interment With Military HonorsGurney Parker Post 357 of the American Legion St. Joseph’s CemeteryDedham, Iowa    Donald Frank, son of Edward and Katherine (Kasperbauer) Irlbeck, was born December 29, 1939, on the family farm near Dedham, Iowa. He attended St. Joseph’s School at Dedham through the eighth grade and then farmed with his father. From 1963 to 1969, Donald served with the Iowa Army National Guard.    On August 8, 1969, Donald was united in marriage with Elaine Schurr at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Fort Dodge. Two daughters were born to this union. Donald and Elaine were lifelong farmers on their farm southwest of Coon Rapids. He never really retired, always keeping busy with his cows, calves and sheep.   Donald was a member of Annunciation Church and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing cards, going to the casino, watching wrestling on television and traveling with Elaine on road trips.   On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, Donald died very unexpectedly at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, Iowa. He was seventy-two years of age.   Donald is survived by his wife Elaine Irlbeck of Coon Rapids; two daughters Julie Irlbeck and Jill Irlbeck, both of Council Bluffs; a brother Edward Irlbeck Jr. and his wife Rose of Dedham; three sisters: Katherine Dentlinger and husband Norman of Coon Rapids; Angeline Gassman and husband Joseph of Lake City and Doreen Biederman of Council Bluffs; a sister-in-law Arlene Kaplan and husband Russell of Arizona; two brothers-in-law John Schurr and wife Norma of Arizona and Bernard Schurr of Gilmore City; and by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Darlene McDowell and Dorothy King; and Elaine’s parents John and Katherine Schurr.