Donald K. Gifford

Donald K. Gifford, 77, of Garner, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, with his family at his side.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Forest City with Rev. Eric Weaver officiating. Inurnment will be at Burt Township Cemetery.

To view his service please click the following link: Watch Video

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11th at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., Garner.

Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church.

Donald Kenneth Gifford, the youngest of 16 children born to John and Meta (Tietz) Gifford was born on October 3, 1947, in Burt, Iowa, and spent his formative years in Burt. He graduated from Burt High School in 1966 and married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie Ackerman, on October 22, 1966, in Burt. Don began his career at Snap On Tools in Algona before pursuing higher education, enrolling at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville in 1970, balancing his studies with nighttime work and raising a family. He furthered his education at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, graduating in 1974 with a double major in business management and marketing.

His professional journey included significant roles at Hormel Foods in Fort Dodge, Bruhn Builders as a manager and accountant, and later at Lauridsen’s in Britt. In January 1991, he joined IMI Cornelius in Mason City, where he began as Human Resources Manager and steadily rose to the position of Vice President of Operations, overseeing multiple factories until his retirement in 2015. Even after retirement, he contributed his expertise to training programs at NIACC until his final retirement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Don cherished time spent with his family, engaged in hobbies such as hunting and woodworking, where he gained recognition for his exquisite duck and bird carvings.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Forest City, Donald also served on the City of Garner Rec Board, demonstrating his commitment to his community.

Don is survived by his wife, Bobbie of Garner; three children, Robin (Matt) Hundley of Albert Lea, MN, Tami Jo (Brian) Bullock of Adel and Travis (Amy) Gifford of Ankeny; eight grandchildren, Chandra (John) Richmond, Sarah (Josh) Jensen, Madison (Corey) Arndorf, John (Emily) Hundley, Whitney (Adam) Rairden, Abbi Bullock, and Ava and Luke Gifford; eight great-grandchildren, Emma, Rohan, Ryker, Riley, Miriam, Leah, Bennett and Haven; a great-grandson, Briggs due in July; brothers and sisters, Deloris (Elvin) Boeckholt, Dick Gifford, Lucille (Melvin) Faber, Karen Wubben, Diana (Larry) Bunkofske; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Meta Gifford; and his siblings and in-laws, Rosetta (Bob) Blumer, Elvera (Pete) Blumer, Gladys (Harley) Boeckholt, Maxine Gifford, Gordon (MaryJo) Gifford, Leona (Gene) Larson, Jack Gifford, Darlene (Perry) Gross, Gary Gifford, Jerry Gifford, Liz Gifford, Neil Wubben, Gary Ackerman, Deloris Klaas, Linda Bunkofske.

Don’s life was marked by love for Jesus, dedication to his family, professional integrity, and a passion for the arts. He will be remembered fondly.