Donald Duane Heyer, age 96, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by family. He was born on March 26, 1930.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Amanda Heyer; his stepmother, Helen Heyer; his wife, Geraldine; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his loving wife, Ilse Heyer; his stepdaughter, Patricia Neeley-Lucas; and his step-grandchildren: Ashley (Danny) Bartlett, Whitney (Darren) Chapman, and Kristina (Dan) Schramel. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Tex) and Nancy Heyer of Spirit Lake, Iowa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Donald will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his kindness and generosity, and his lifelong curiosity and desire for continuous learning. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.
