Donald Lee Krekel, 73, of Burlington, died Sunday, March 18, 2018 at his home.
Born August 5, 1944 in Burlington, he was the son of Cecil and Viola (Pierson) Krekel. He married Cynthia Louise Hult on June 26, 1976 at Oak Street Baptist Church. She died July 22, 1995.
He grew up on his family farm and attended Brush College Burlington, a one-room schoolhouse.
After graduating from Burlington High School, Burlington Junior College, and the University of Iowa, Don was a long time Math professor at Southeastern Community College, teaching for 44 years. In the past, he taught Sunday school at Oak Street Baptist Church. Currently, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Don loved to travel especially with his daughters and especially to the national parks in the American West. He enjoyed hiking in the Grand Canyon and Grand Teton National Park and especially loved seeing the beauty of Utah. He loved to play board games, especially the ones that dealt with strategy. He also enjoyed learning about history.
He was the most devoted father to his two daughters and after the death of his wife, he never missed any of their activities or phone calls.
Survivors include his two daughters; Andrea Krekel of Iowa City and Elizabeth Krekel of Orlando, FL, Brother-in-Law, Michael (Doris) Hult of Burlington, Sister-in-Law, Deborah Krekel of Solon, Nieces, Molly (Matthew) Steinbrech of Solon and Melissa Hult of Ankeny, and nephew, Jonathan (Olivia) Hult of Bastrop, TX, three cousins, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brother, Gene Krekel, nephew, Erik Krekel, infant niece, and two cousins.
The funeral service for Mr. Krekel will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 23rd at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Deb Kinney will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 22nd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends.
A memorial has been established for Southeastern Community College Foundation for an Advanced Math or Science Scholarship in memory of Don Krekel.
Conrad “Spike” Lee Olson, 80 of Burlington died 4:45 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018 at his residence.
He was born October 3, 1937 at Monmouth Hospital, Illinois to Frank and Betty Olson. He went to G&O School in Gladstone, Illinois. He served 4 years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cascade. He had three tours to Europe. On July 8, 1961 he married Karen Williams at West Hill United Methodist Church. He was owner, with his brother Philip, at Olson Bros Custom Shop for almost 50 years. He helped run 34 Raceway for a year. He loved the shop and all the racing, especially the sprint cars.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years; two sons, Brad (Brenda) Olson and Kyle (Jane) Olson; a daughter, Gina (Lance) Walker; four granddaughters; Brandi (Travis) Plummer, Britni (Jake) Diewold, Mikayla Walker and Allisha Blanco; one grandson, Reece Blanco; four great granddaughters, Saydee and Gemma Plummer, Paitynn and Haiden Diewold; one great grandson Gavin Plummer; two brothers, Philip and Steve Olson of Burlington; special brother-in-law Don (Carla) Williams of West Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Per his wishes, cremation has been accorded. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Great River Hospice or the organization of your choice.
Sharon L. Nichols, 80, of Burlington, died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
Born October 5, 1937 in Burlington, she was the daughter of Woodrow Hand and Faye Harris. She married Jack Nichols Sr. on March 31, 1956 in Kahoka, MO. He died September 29, 2015.
Sharon worked at Lamont Ltd. for over 30 years. She lived for her children and grandchildren. She loved reading, traveling and going to the casino.
Survivors include her four children; Jack Nichols Jr. and Cheryl Longshore both of Burlington, Dianne Carlson (Rich Scholler) of Oakville and Timothy (Lisa) Nichols of Carman, IL; eleven grandchildren; several great grandchildren and one sister, Kay Danes of Burlington.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two children, Jeff and Sally, one great grandson Nicholas and eight siblings, Lucille, Wendell, Fern, Joyce, Bonnie, Richard, Linda and Adrian.
The funeral service for Mrs. Nichols will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 22nd at Lunning Chapel. The Rev. Dean Graber will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service.
