Donald Vincent Grefe, 91, of Victoria, joined his son, Jamie in Heaven on September 14, 2018. Donald was born March 9, 1927 in Cushing, Iowa to the late Ames Dietrich and Ella Deborah Bekins Grefe. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corp, serving in Pearl Harbor and China.
After retiring from farming in Iowa, Donald moved to Texas in 1985 and worked for Victoria Public Schools as a bus driver. After a second retirement, he became certified by the State of Texas to teach at Victoria Educational Associates for 15 years. You could always find Donald out in his shop creating and building all types of things and rebuilding International Tractors that he found in junk yards. He had a love for the land, animals and his chickens. Donald was a giving, caring and loyal friend. He would always help anyone he met and never expected anything in return. Donald was a very active member of First English Lutheran Church for over 40 years. His biggest joy was his family and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donald is survived by his special friend of 30 years, Amelia Schwan; children, Marilyn Petersen (Mike) of Danbury, Iowa, Sandra Emerson (Brian) of Lampasas, TX, Kurt Grefe of Dallas, TX, Crystal McDonald (Rick) of Memphis, TN, Leroy Spence Sr. of Victoria, Belinda Glover (Larry) of Victoria, Ronald Spence (Michelle) of Victoria, Bobby Spence (Judy) of Victoria; grandchildren, Melanie Honsbruch, Tiffanie Honsbruch, Lindsie Mizner (Dan), Whitney Honsbruch, Daniel Spence (Paloma), Kaleigh Emerson, Kyle Emerson (Jessa), Landon McDonald (Shelby), Whitney Clinton (David); great-grandchildren, Garrett Mizner, Shane Mizner, Derek Spence and Austin Spence.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jamie Dietrich Grefe and brother, Richard H. Grefe.
A Celebration of Donald’s Life will be Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 5 PM at First English Lutheran Church with Pastor Jim Pearson officiating.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
