Don Hermanstorfer

Don Hermanstorfer, 72, of Winterset, passed peacefully from this world on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. A visitation will be held Sunday, February 3, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset, Iowa with a prayer service immediately following at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 4, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Winterset. Memorials may be directed to EveryStep Hospice, St. Joseph’s Building fund, North McDonald Cemetery or the Pink Tractor Foundation. Online condolences can be left at ochiltree.com. Donald Dean Hermanstorfer, son of Vernon and Veva (Husband) Hermanstorfer, was born January 22, 1947, Sigourney, Iowa. He grew up in the Millersburg area and attended Deep River-Millersburg schools, graduating in the Class of 1966. He attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids where he earned an Associate Degree in Horticulture, Parks and Recreation. Don was united in marriage to Linda Dermody on May 3, 1969, in Parnell and three children were born to this union. Don served in the United States Army from October 1966 to October 1968, and served one year of active duty during Vietnam. His first job was with the Landmark Truck Stop in Williamsburg and he also worked for Square D in Cedar Rapids, and drove a school bus in Amana. Most of his working years were dedicated to his work with the City of Des Moines as a park supervisor. He had many stories of his fellow employees and made lasting friendships with them. The many kids that called Greenwood Park their hangout called him Ranger Rick. He retired from the City after 30 years. In his retirement, he had his own business, Hickory Ridge Trucking, and drove his big blue dump truck until January 2018. He was also a well-known and loved bartender for the Gold Star Saloon and the Irish Pub in Winterset. He formed many friendships in his life and knew no strangers. Don was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, where he was active in the Knights of Columbu s He was also a member of the American Legion. His efforts were pivotal in the development of the Winterset Soccer Club and he enjoyed coaching his team and watching them develop as skilled soccer players. His team often teased they had never seen a coach wear cowboy boots. He enjoyed horseback riding on the trails of Iowa, playing golf; no matter how bad he played, shooting pool with his friends on various pool leagues. He liked playing cards with friends and family. His time riding his Harley with his best buddies was a highlight of his life and he was a loyal Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball fan. Don loved his children and was very proud of all their accomplishments. He has six grandchildren that were the light of his life and he loved his little dogs, Molly & Charlie and his old horse, Sassy. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Hermanstorfer; three children, Jeremy (Anne) Hermanstorfer of Johnston; Dustin (Valerie) Hermanstorfer of Des Moines, and Jessica (Steve) Aldridge of Winterset; grandchildren, Joe & Christian Hermanstorfer, Chloe and Leucadia Hermanstorfer and Emma and Jackson Aldridge; siblings, Jim (Sonia) Hermanstorfer; Lavern Hermanstorfer; Linda( Jerry) McEowen; Lois Ringler; Karen (Jim) Ruffing. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Ron and Melvin.