Don Leonal Close

Don Leonal Close was the son of Otto Close and Edith Holliday Close Coon born in Promise City, IA on March 7, 1934. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1951 and attended Burlington Junior College. He married Lois McKasson at St. Luke United Church of Christ June 28, 1953. He served in the U.S. Army 1955-57 in Ft. Benning, GA. His daughter Cheryl Close Kosmann (William) resides in Middleburg, Virginia and son Bryan Don Close (Margret) resides in Leawood, Kansas. There are four grandchildren Jason Kosmann, Sean Kosmann, Daniel Close and Elizabeth Close. He retired December 15, 1996 from the Burlington Hawkeye after 45 years of service. His career started with a six year printing apprenticeship and retired as the Systems Manager. He has two surviving sisters Robinette Schubert and Doris Wynn (Ray), along with nieces and nephews. Don was always involved in sporting activities. He played baseball and basketball throughout his school years, including junior college. While in the Army he played on their DivArty baseball and basketball teams. He coached American and Western Little League. He was a member of the Burlington Official Association and refereed basketball, f...[more]

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ball and baseball games throughout the region. He operated the clock for Southeastern Community College basketball and BHS football games for over 30 years. He especially enjoyed playing golf after retirement. He was a member of the Optimist Club, Jaycees, Moose Lodge, Des Moines County Historical Society and sang with the Ambassadors to welcome riverboat guests. He volunteered at Great River Medical Center and served on the Board of Friends of Great River. He was an active member of the St. Luke United Church of Christ congregation serving in numerous roles for over 50 years. He was an avid CUBS fan along with following the BHS teams and Iowa Hawkeyes. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Lunning Chapel on Monday, April 7,2014. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at St. Luke's United Church of Christ followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Inurnment will be at Aspen Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family memorials may be given in Don's honor to the YMCA, St. Luke UCC, and Burlington Public Library.