Donald L Elenz
September 13, 1932 ~ October 7, 2025
Born in:
Alta Vista, Iowa
Resided in:
Kansas City, Missouri
Don passed away peacefully in his home at the age 93. Don was born in Alta Vista, Iowa to N. Joseph and Johanna (Pitz) Elenz and was the second of five children. Don grew up on the family farm and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in North Washington. At age 20 he left home to work at the John Deere factory in Waterloo. On February 22, 1954 he married Violet M. Ritchmond at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in North Washington. Don co-owned and operated a local trucking company with a lifelong friend for two years before going to work for International Multi-food feed division- IMF (locally known then as Supersweet). Working for IMF had the family move from New Hampton to Salina, Kansas, then to Des Moines and finally to Kansas City, MO. In Kansas City Don left IMF and started his own successful electrical contracting business, Northland Electric based in Liberty, MO. Don and Vi retired to Holiday Island, Arkansas and then on to Sun City, Arizona. In November of 2023 they returned to a retirement community in the Kansas City area.
Don is survived by his wife Vi and six children, 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Don’s children are Cindy Nightingale (Bruce) Kansas City, Steve Elenz, Kansas City, Marty Elenz, Charlotte, NC, Janine Calhoun, Kansas City, Nolan Elenz, Charlotte, NC and Karla Lundy (Mark), Kansas City. Don is also survived by 3 sisters, Marjorie Arens, Lawler, Betty Britt, Modesto, CA and Marilyn Schwickerath, Charles City. Don was preceded in death by his parents and older brother James Elenz.
Services are pending and will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 919 NE 96th St., Kansas City, MO 64155.
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Rest in Peace Uncle Don – learned a lot from him. Don and Vi always made us welcome and were good to us in so many ways.
Many fond memories come my way when Don and my dad Skeeter worked together at Supersweet in New Hampton. You were very dear friends to my parents and always had such a good time together. Deepest sympathy to you Vi and family. Many thoughts and prayers during your time of sorrow.
Our sympathy to you Violet and your family.
Rest in peace.
Blessed to have Don and Vi as my godparents, I have always adored Don and am extremely sad at his passing. He was always a great friend to my parents, and my brother Tim absolutely loved working for him for a year or two early in his career. Rest in peace, Don. Sending Vi and the rest of the family peace and love.
Vi, we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We recall the many good times with you and Don during the Super Sweet days. Rest in peace, Don.