Donald H. Mackaman, 91 | News, Sports, Jobs

[ad_1]

Donald H. Mackaman, 91, of Marshalltown, IA passed away Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Suites of Ankeny in Ankeny, IA. Funeral Services will be 1:00 pm Saturday, September 25, 2021 at First Congregational Church in Marshalltown. The visit is 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Friday, Sept. 24, 2021 at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. In exchange for flowers, memorials can be made to the Iowa State Reserve Law Officer’s Association that has awarded the Donald H. Mackaman Outstanding Unit Award annually since 1972. Fellowship with military honor will take place at Riverside Cemetery. Condolences can be sent online [https://www.andersonfhs.com.]www.andersonfhs.com.

Don was born on April 20, 1930 to Harry and Hana (Bick) Mackaman in Marshalltown. He attended Marshalltown High School and graduated in 1948. Don was united in marriage to Romaine A. Rockhill of Marshalltown on June 13, 1953 at First Congregational Church, Marshalltown. They are blessed with four children: Sharon, Lorraine, Carole and Craig. The couple lived in the Marshalltown area until 2017 when they moved to Ankeny.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Ft. Riley, KS. Upon his return to Marshalltown, he resumed his service in Army Resares earning the rank of 1st Sergeant (E8). He served 22 years and retired in 1970. He was a skilled player and earned numerous shooting medals in military and law enforcement competitions.

Don joined the Marshalltown Police Department in 1952. Prior to that, he attended Marshalltown Community College and worked for the Iowa Highway Commision. His first duty as a patrolman was to assist with maintenance and collections for 750 meters of parking. He rose in rank to become Assistant Chief of Police in 1966. He served in that capacity until retirement in 1988. His first goal as assistant chief was recruitment, and he pushed law enforcement education. He helped establish Marshalltown’s first police academy in 1968. In the sixties, he organized the Marshalltown Police Resares into a unit in the Iowa State Reserve Law Officers Association. During his retirement he said, “I love Marshalltown, the work and the people.” His influence was felt for many years after two of his children had long careers in criminal justice. When retired, he and Romaine enjoyed being snowbirds in Florida for many years.

In addition to his career in law enforcement, Don is a determined, hard -working businessman. He is committed to the value of higher education. Romaine and I fully support the college educations of her four children, as well as providing financial support for each of her six grandchildren. A few years after starting their family, he encouraged Romaine to complete her college degree at Drake University.

Taught by his father, a band director and professional clarinetist, Don learned to play the clarinet at an early age. He grew up playing in his father’s dance bands, performing at the local VFW and American Legion hall on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Sunday morning he played in church. He was a member of the Marshalltown Municipal Band where he met Romaine who played the bass clarinet. While in the Army at Fort Riley, KS, he was personally assigned by the commanding officer to the officers ’dance band. Don encouraged all of his children to learn to play musical instruments and was proud of their dedication and achievements.

His interest in agriculture in Iowa led him to acquire farmland in the area. He experimented with animal husbandry for a while but mostly left farming to experienced and trusted farmers, who eventually became good friends. He keeps up with the financial markets and is always ready to talk about stocks. Don was an avid sportsman who enjoyed duck hunting with his father while growing up, and continued to hunt deer and turkey with his friends and son, Craig in his later years. An Alaskan fishing trip where Craig and I took home their border of silver salmon was a highlight for both. He recently enjoyed riding with Craig and Rocky the Vizsla on pheasant hunts. She enjoys following the sporting events of her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren. He even attended high school tennis matches in Ankeny in the spring. Don is a member of the First Congregational Church, the Frank Lewis Glick American Legion Post 46 and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 68 years, Romaine, and his four children: Sharon (Phillip) Riskin of Palatine, IL, Lorraine Gilkison of Irving, TX, Carole (Frederick) Coleman of Euless, TX, and Craig (Deborah) Mackaman of Ankeny. She will be missed by her six grandchildren: Stephanie (Nicholas) Riskin Watson, Robert (Michelle) Riskin, Austin (Patricia) Coleman, Mason Mackaman, Luke Mackaman and Nicholas Mackaman; his six great -grandchildren: Doyle, Ryland, Brynn, and Kinley Watson; Lorelei and Cadence Riskin; niece Brenda (Don) Taylor, and Craig’s hunter dog Rocky. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother -in -law Dorothy (Rockhill) and David Kruse, and niece, Karla Kruse.

The family would like to thank the staff at Suites of Ankeny for their professionalism and kindness over the last four years.

[ad_2]