Graveside memorial services for Donald Steemke, 62, of Aurelia, will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 10, 2011 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Cherokee, with Pastor Missy Brown officiating, and military honors by the Cherokee VFW. There will be no visitation. The Redig Funeral Home of Aurelia is in charge of arrangements. A memorial fund has been established.

Donald Gale Steemke was born December 17, 1948 in Cherokee, Iowa, the son of Loren Dale and Arline Virginia (Minard) Steemke.

After high school Don served in the US Marine Corp from 1968 to 1973. He married Lisa Hans in Simi Valley, CA. Don worked for the Anheuser-Busch company for 26 years in California. He was a member of the Aurelia American Legion and VFW of Cherokee. Don enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and hunting.

Don died Tuesday August 30, 2011 at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Cherokee, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 2007, and two brothers, Ronald and Larry.

Survivors include his wife, Lisa Steemke of Aurelia, one son, Shawn Steemke of Aurelia, two daughters, Shannon Steemke of Glendale, AZ, and Christina Steemke of  Aurelia; and four grandchildren, Sean, Jacob and Aiden Steemke and Eva Steemke all of Aurelia. Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Doris Hans of Palm Dale, CA, sister-in-law Susan Steemke and her children David Steemke and Kelly Wallace, sister-in-law Linda Bastiaanse and two brothers-in-law Gary Hans and John and his wife Patti Hans all of California, and nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.