Donald J. Crisler, 87, Glenwood

November 27, 1923  - October 26, 2011

    Donald J. Crisler, 87, of Glenwood, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services were Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, at Macedonia United Methodist Church with military honors and interment in the Macedonia Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to “Trail of Honor” Macedonia Eagle Fund or Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital. Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home of Malvern was in charge of arrangements.
    Donald (Don) was born Nov. 27, 1923, in rural Carson, to the late (John) Stafford and Emma (Moss) Crisler. He graduated from Macedonia High School in 1941 and served as an airplane engine mechanic in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 - 1945.
    Don was united in marriage to Doris L. Hobson Feb. 14, 1948, and they were blessed with five children, Louise, David, Cheryl, Dennis and John. Don farmed for 11 years upon returning home from the war. He then worked as a line technician for Northern Natural Gas, retiring after 25 years of service. He loved to spend time with people and he worked part-time the past 10 years transporting vehicles for Avis Rent-A-Car in Omaha.
    Don was a master craftsman and enjoyed his retirement by making things in his workshop, tending his beautiful flowers, traveling, dancing and spending time with his family. Don was a member of the American Legion Post 648, serving as commander in 1960. He served as Master of the Macedonia Masonic Lodge in 1962, was Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, and a member of Botna Valley Shriners. Don loved to dance and was a member of the Polka Lovers and P.O.L.K.A. and Polka Swingers, and a member of the 40’s ballroom dance club for 19 years.
    Don was preceded in death by his parents, Stafford and Emma Crisler; sisters, Louise Klein, Dorothy Higby and Ellen Gantka; son David Crisler; and great-granddaughter Emily Peterson. He is survived by his wife Doris; daughters, Louise Peterson and husband Gary of Carson; and Cheryl and husband Tom Pietzsch of Leavenworth, Kan.; sons, Dennis Crisler and wife Becky of Caney, Kan.; and John Crisler of Leavenworth; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.