Donald Francis Blocker

donald blocker

Donald Francis Blocker age 93 of New Hampton, IA, died Friday, October 11, 2024, at Kensington Place Assisted Living in New Hampton.

A private family service will be held at the Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend presiding.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Hampton.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Donald Francis Blocker was born November 29, 1930, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Wilbur and Frances (Gebel) Blocker.  Don’s early years were rooted in the nurturing soil of his hometown. He was a dedicated student and an enthusiastic athlete, graduating from New Hampton High School in 1949 where he distinguished himself as a proud member of the wrestling, football and baseball teams.

Donald’s life was one of commitment and passion, qualities that were evident from his youth. On July 10, 1954, he married his beloved Kathleen L. Theis at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Ionia. The couple’s journey began in Elma, IA, before they settled on their farm north of New Hampton in 1957. The farm was more than just a home; it was a testament to Donald’s dedication to the land and the life he built with Kathleen.

For 26 years, Donald balanced his love for farming with a career at Supersweet Feeds, where his analytical mind and wise decision-making contributed greatly to the company. Even after his retirement in 1991, he continued to farm for another year before fully embracing his retirement in 1992. Donald’s life was a reflection of his values—hard work, perseverance, and a connection to the earth that sustained him.

A “Man Of The Woods” in every sense, Donald found solace and joy in the embrace of the wilderness. Whether he was hunting deer, squirrels, or simply basking in the tranquility of the woods, he was in his element. His passion for the outdoors extended to pheasant hunting, an activity that brought him much satisfaction and peace. Over the years, Donald was the proud owner of many hunting dogs, including German shorthairs, Labradors, and a cherished dalmatian, each a loyal companion on his many adventures.

Donald’s daily walks were more than just exercise; they were a ritual of quiet prayer and reflection. It was during these moments of solitude that he found the space to ponder life’s mysteries and express his gratitude for the beauty that surrounded him. Those who knew Donald understood these walks to be the cornerstone of his spiritual practice, a time when he connected most deeply with his thoughts and the natural world.

Survivors include his son, Marty (Donna) Blocker of Henderson, NE; daughter, Connie Jorgenson of Beatrice, NE; four grandchildren, Jeramy (Erin) Blocker, Cody (Brooke) Blocker, Ray Stepan, Teri (Jeff) Link; eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathleen on August 3, 2024; sisters, Marilyn Johnson and Rita Mae Blocker in infancy

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  1. Marty, Donna and Connie and families, you have my deepest sympathy. Don is now with Kathy. They were such good neighbors. I miss them. Hugs and prayers 🙏

  2. My Sympathy to Marty and Donna and family. Here at Kensington they were my neighbors, I could not have asked for better ones. I will miss seeing Don as have missed Kathy.

  3. Prayers For Strength & Peace During This Time Of Loss. I Remember Don From My Childhood. All The Trail Rides, New Hampton Airport Horse Shows & The Chickasaw Trail Riders. I Seem To Remember A Sorrel Horse? He Was Always Kind, Loved A Good Joke & Laugh, Yet No Nonsense Either. A Strong Work Ethic, I Recall. My Daddy Was Merle Vorwald & I Am So Grateful To Him For Teaching Me Everything “Horses” & All The Great People I Met Over the Years Because Of It. Your Dad Was One Of Those People. God Bless You All.

  4. We are saddened to hear about Dons passing. Hugs to all of you. Our folks are all together again.

  5. Marty and Donna, so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He’s reunited with Kathy once again and All the great people that have gone before him. Prayers to all.

  6. I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He and Kathy were good friends of my folks, Delmer and Lucy Brown. I spent a lot of time on the farm with Marty and Connie as a young girl. They were always generous, kind and hilarious! They were together happily for many years, and death has brought them together for eternity.

  7. Sorry for your loss Marty. I finally got the knee surgery so will not be able to come to the wake. You are in my thoughts prayers. Lori Hanson. Administrative assistant at NHNRC

  8. Our sympathies to the family.
    I enjoyed being on the ambulance crew with Don and Kathy some years ago.

  9. Don was my ambulance driver on many trips to Rochester. I loved his humor, laugh & obvious love for Kathy. My prayers are with you all.

  10. Don was a true friend to my dad (Ralph Theis) and Kathy’s uncle. Don and Ralph were hunting buddies (Marty was the bird dog), played hundreds of card games, but mostly they played epic pranks on each other. Don (and Kathy too) were guardian angels for my sister Karen in so many ways. I will be forever grateful for the loving care they gave my family.


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