Obituary

Donald “Don” Richard Zickefoose 76, of Altoona, Iowa passed away on December 6, 2025, at UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines.

Don was born on June 22, 1949, in Villisca, Iowa to Gerald and Eldora (Hicks) Zickefoose. Don graduated with a GED from high school in 1967. After graduation Don joined the US Army and served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged from the Army after serving 1year 11 months and 24 days. Don was blessed with two children through the years. Don worked as a truck driver for many years through ABF, and Sysco. After retirement, Don moved to Arizona in 2011. In his short time out there, he met a good friend, Ken and started a car business. Don moved back to Altoona, Iowa in 2014. After a short time of being back he started working full time at Napa, in Des Moines, delivering parts until he finally retired for good in 2023.

Don enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, camping, going to the casino, talking with his neighbors, and in the end feeding the squirrels out of his hand.

Don is survived by a brother, Russ Zickefoose; two children, Christine (Jay) Betts of Stuart, Iowa and Angie (Brian) Christian of Waukee, Iowa; a stepson, Mark (Brian) Rowe-Barth of Ames, Iowa; four grandchildren: Adaline Betts, Hudson Betts, Grant Christian, Brooke Christian and one great grandchild.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Eldora Zickefoose; brothers, Clark Zickefoose and Ernest Zickefoose, and sisters, Wanda Rilea and Karen Gamboa.

The family will be having a private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter, Iowa at a later date.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.

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