Donald Eugene Naeve

Donald Eugene Naeve, 79, of Sabula, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife Sue and their three daughters.

Born December 6, 1946, in Clinton, Iowa, to Ella and Orin Naeve, Don graduated from Miles High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic and general’s assistant before beginning a long career at Carlon in Clinton, where his dedication and strong work ethic led him to the position of plant manager. He later worked at Rock-Tenn and Molded Fiber, and in retirement lent his experience to Jackson Manufacturing and as an attendant at the car wash in Savanna. For many years he also worked as a commercial fisherman, proudly joined by his teenage grandsons on the river.

On September 26, 1970, Don married the love of his life, Susan Vicks, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Sabula. Together they built a life centered on family, raising their daughters Erica, Toni, and Nikki. Don cherished his summers working on his uncle’s farm in Maquoketa, and he carried a lifelong passion for the outdoors—riding horses on trail rides, fishing, trapping, and hunting. He passed that love on to his children and grandchildren, who affectionately called him the “fish whisperer.”

Above all, Don’s family was his greatest pride. A devoted husband of 55 years, he was steady, loyal, and deeply committed to Sue, sharing a lifetime of love and quiet companionship. He was a patient and guiding father to his daughters, teaching them life skills and always showing up when they needed him. As “Grap” to his grandchildren, he was their biggest supporter, attending every school event and sporting activity, dropping everything to help them, and creating lasting memories through family card games, fish fries, river days, hunting and fishing trips, island cruises with Sue and the dogs, backyard games of kickball and basketball, and holidays spent together.

He is survived by his wife Sue; daughters Erica (Phil) Shoemaker, Toni Naeve (Chad Nissen), and Nikki (Nate) Gold; grandchildren Austin (Macy) and Kylee Shoemaker, Alyssa Naeve, Carter Ervin, and Kyson, Ella, and Nolan Gold; and great-granddaughter Adalynn Naeve. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ella and Orin Naeve; brothers Richard and Ronald Naeve; and in-laws Jim and Shirley Vicks.