Donald Leistikow, age 92, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at his home.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Burr Oak Lutheran Church, 2358 360th St, Decorah, IA 52101, with Pastor David Werges presiding. Burial will follow at the Burr Oak Cemetery, with full military honors.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Helms Funeral Homes, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah, IA. There will be no visitation prior to the service on Friday. Please come in and be seated.

The service will be livestreamed on the Burr Oak and Hesper Lutheran Parish Facebook page. 

Donald Robert Leistikow was born December 23, 1933, in Burr Oak, IA, to George and Minnie Leistikow. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1952, where he was active in 4-H and FFA. After farming for two years, Don joined the army in January 1954. He wa stationed in Korea after the Korean conflict until January 1956. Don was very proud of his service to his country. After serving time in the army, Don chose to go back to farming. 

He was married to Mary Lou Pilgrim in April 1957 (later divorced). In November of 1962, Don and Mary Lou had 3 children: Michael, Vickie and Randy.

In August 1980, Don was married to Joanne (Ness) Dolash and added 3 more stepchildren to his family: Rhonda, Cathy and Linda.

Don continued to farm until a life changing accident in 1986. He was helping a stranded motorist when he was caught in between two vehicles as another vehicle veered into them. He lost his right leg. Following the accident, Don got his real estate license and also worked for the local USDA office as a farm program compliance agent.

In 1993 Don and Joanne retired and enjoyed winters in Yuma, Arizona for 23 years. 

After Joanne’s passing in December 2018, Don renewed his friendship with Linda Hjelmeland, a neighbor and friend that he had known for over 50 years. They cared very much for each other.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Minnie Leistikow, his wife Joanne, his son Randy, and his siblings Norman Leistikow and Joanne Groettum.

He is survived by his son Michael Leistikow (Kathy), his daughter Vickie Curtin, his stepchildren Rhonda Powell (Brad), Cathy Kuehner (Randy) and Linda Blodgett (Peter); his grandchildren Nathan Leistikow (Tracy), Erin Vercande (Dustin), Ben Kruse, Adam Kruse (Ashley), Ross Powell, Dane Powell (Samantha), Hannah Humpal (Jordan), Evan Blodgett (Madison), Jared Blodgett (Courtney); his great grandchildren Ella, Claire, Carver, Sawyer, Cashton, Ryder, Blaze, Liam, Levi, Annie, Rhett, Levi and Heath; his siblings Carole Evenrud (Loren), Mary Casterton (Charles), Doris Patterson (Randy) and sister in law Martha Leistikow. He is also survived by his special friend Linda Hjelmeland.

Don loved his family and was very proud of all of them. He would not hesitate to tell anyone who would listen about his family’s accomplishments, which leads to another of Don’s passions. He loved to talk. Advice was always given whether it was wanted or not. Don was always the last to leave a gathering, talking and socializing to the very end.

He cared deeply about the people in his life and always tried to take care of everyone and everything. His love for farming showed in the way he nurtured people and the land that he farmed, always trying to make both better. He spent many years as a 4-H leader in the hopes of encouraging the next generation to follow his passion.

He liked playing golf and cards but it was really more about being with the people that he loved. Don touched a lot of people and truly liked everyone. He never spoke badly of anyone.

Don suffered some setbacks in his life. The loss of his son Randy, his wife Joanne and the loss of his leg. Don always moved forward and was a very positive person. He would always say “Life is Good!”

As we all know, Don was very sure of himself. If Don had an idea, it was very difficult, if not impossible, to convince him he was wrong. He had recently written: “I am at the age that I can confess my needs and my shortcomings. This is hard for someone who has always been so sure of himself. Good memories, friends and family have helped me enjoy my life. I am very blessed to have many grandchildren and great- grandchildren. I say again that yes, I’m lucky and life is good!”

You will be missed. Your family loves you and this time you are right, Life is Good!