Donald Dean Altena

     Donald Dean Altena, age 77 of Story City, Iowa died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA.

     A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 2nd at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA, with Rev. Brian Dunn officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memory Garden Cemetery. 

     Visitation will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

      In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Sioux Center Christian School or Hull Western High School because Don and Carol firmly believe in Christian education.  

 Donald Dean Altena was born on January 8, 1946, in Sioux Center, Iowa to Paul and Margaret (Sybesma) Altena. He attended Sioux Center Christian School and graduated from Western Christian High School. 

After graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965. He proudly served his country with honor and was discharged in 1966. Following his military service, he was married on December 27, 1966 to Carol Bruxvoort. They settled down in Sioux Center where he initially worked for Casey's Bakery before opening his own restaurant and bakery called Central Cafe.  Following the closure of the business, he worked many baker positions and loved sharing his baked goods with his customers. 

Don leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his loving spouse, Carol, who stood by his side throughout their journey. Their love was a testament to the enduring power of marriage. Don was a devoted father to both of his sons, Tim and Kent. He was incredibly proud of them as well as his daughters-in-law, Sherri (Dekkers) and Laura (Kruid), as husbands and as fathers to his grandchildren. He was immensely saddened when Tim lost his battle with cancer in 2009. He was a doting grandfather to his grandchildren, Ashaley Altena, Amber Altena, Rick Altena, Tasha Altena, Brooke Whitehouse, Amanda Monfils and Brett Altena. He took great joy in watching them grow up as adults. Throughout his life, Don also found great happiness in the presence of his great-grandchildren Avalon Altena, Dawn Monfils, Eve Monfils, Tayana Small, Henry Whitehouse, Louis Whitehouse, Legend Alttus, and Easten Alttus. They brought light and laughter into his life, and their memories will forever be cherished. 

Don will also be remembered by his brothers and their wives, Syne and Judy and Aldie and Bev. Their bond was unbreakable, and their shared experiences brought them closer than ever. Don's nieces and nephews, Jill Nydam, Tom Altena, Derrick Altena, Brian Altena, Brad Altena, and David Altena, will always hold a special place in their hearts for their beloved uncle.

Don will also be remembered by Carol's family. She is survived by her brothers and their wives, Don & Sherry, Gord & Pat, Herb & Joanne, Orv & Joyce and Wes. 

 Don was preceded in death by his parents, Paul (1945) and Margaret Altena (2008), and his son, Tim Altena (2009), Carol's parents, Gerrit & Ollie Bruxvoort, and siblings Pete & Muriel Vanravenstein, Audrey Bruxvoort and Judy Sellers.