Donald “Don” D. Sturms, 88, of Muscatine died Thursday, June 17, 2021 at his home with his family at his side. Services were held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services, Muscatine. Interment will be in Muscatine Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday, June 21 at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Muscatine Humane Society in Don’s name. Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.
Donald Dean Sturms was born on March 23, 1933 in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of James Clinton and Elma Hazel (Stock) Sturms. Don was a 1952 graduate of Muscatine High School. He then enlisted with the United States Air Force and served from 1953 to 1957.
He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Ruth Shenk, on May 7, 1953 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He went on to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1961. Following his graduation from college, Don taught at Wilton Elementary School from 1961-1966. He then purchased the Dog ‘n’ Suds Drive-In and was owner/manager until 1976. In 1976, Don obtained his realtor license, beginning his career with Gibson and Gibson, Inc. He then owned Muscatine Real Estate Center and later Realty World Associates. Don then joined Pete Hatfield in partnership of 1st Realty of Muscatine- Better Homes and Gardens which was later sold into Ruhl and Ruhl from which he retired in 2013.
He was a member of the KAABA Shriners and the Muscatine American Legion. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, mowing on the tractor and always delighted in watching the community enjoy his Holiday Inflatable and Light Display on Mulberry.
Don will be deeply missed by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Sturms of Muscatine; children, Tony Sturms of Muscatine, Todd (Shelly) Sturms of Letts and Dawn (Matt) Dodds of Muscatine; grandchildren, Madison (Lucas) Nowak, CJ Sturms, Adam Dodds and Morgan Dodds; siblings, Jean Haller and Jim (Barb) Sturms all of Muscatine; brother-in-law Steve Shenk of Muscatine; and special family friend and other son, Mike Snyder of Muscatine.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
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