Donald Coons

SIOUX CITY -- Donald "Mac" Coons, 86, of Atlantic, Iowa, a former longtime resident of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa.

Abiding by family wishes, cremation has taken place. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday in Onawa City Cemetery, Onawa Iowa, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel of Sioux City has assisted Bea Coons and family with arrangements.

Mac was born on June 23, 1924, in Whiting, Iowa, to John and Olive Coons. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean conflict. He attended Morningside College in Sioux City on the GI Bill and graduated with a business degree in 1950. That same year, Mac went to work for Swift and Company in Sioux City, where he stayed until his retirement in 1986.

He married Beulah in 1985 and moved to Atlantic, Iowa, in 2004 to be close to family.

Mac was a loving husband, an exemplary father, a loyal friend, and a proud member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He loved boating and camping and was never far from the Missouri River on board his boat the Merry Mac. Mac led a long and happy life. He touched many people with his sense of humor and his generosity. He will be deeply missed.

Mac is survived by his wife, Bea Coons; daughters, Linda Franz (John), Patricia Coons (JW), and Kathleen Gray (Vince); son, Brian Coons (Linda); stepchildren, Jill Bladt (Curt), Cheri Sowienski, Paula Sorenson (David), Richard Von Hagel (Virginia), and Margaret Von Hagel; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Mac was preceded in death by his parents; brothers; and son, Gregory Mac Coons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family at Apt. 1, 1007 E. Ninth Street, Atlantic, IA. 50022.