Donald Burkholder

Don Burkholder, known to many as Uncle Don, greeted the world with a firm handshake and a broad grin. He had a gift for bringing people together, whether meeting new faces or lending a helping hand to friends and neighbors. His love for storytelling, stubborn optimism, and deep passion for cars and racing left a lasting impression on everyone he met. On March 9, 2026, at the age of 89, Donald Burkholder passed away peacefully in Kalona, Iowa, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love.

Born on October 7, 1936, in Washington, Iowa, to Edward Burkholder and Niva Miller Burkholder, Don grew up in Wellman, Iowa, where he attended the local school through eighth grade. Those early years helped shape a man who held deep faith in Jesus, cherished his family, and approached every task with strong determination and an incredible work ethic.

Over the years, he worked in construction in Colorado and Oregon and owned his own cement business in Colorado Springs in the early 1970s. In his free time, he found joy in woodworking, restoring Ford Thunderbirds, and traveling the open road to experience the beauty of God’s creation across the United States. Friends and family remember him as the dependable one who got things done and knew everything about cars. He created lasting memories through camping and fishing trips in Canada and riding his ATV through Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and anywhere an open road called to him.

Don is survived by his children from his previous marriage to Mary Jane.