Donald E. Schiltz

Interment: Calvary Cemetery ~ Algona, Iowa Donald Emmet Schiltz was born August 22, 1940 near Bancroft the son of Walter and Margaret (McGuire) Schiltz. He grew up in Bancroft graduating from St. John's High School in 1958. He was united in marriage to Sharon Klocke on October 5, 1960 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Algona. To this union four children were born. Brian, Gary, Bill, & Kris. Don worked for Pioneer Hybrid for two years and then Faber Construction from 1963 to 1971 as a foreman as a heavy duty equipment operator. In 1972, he began working for Algona Food Equipment (later named AFECO) as a plant supervisor. Starting from an old car wash on Poplar Street, Don founded KOFAB in 1977, manufacturing stainless steel food equipment and products. With his vision and commitment to quality workmanship, he and his family established this as a well known company that is respected around the globe today. This July 23, KOFAB will be celebrating its 30 year anniversary. Don was dedicated to his family. His greatest love was his wife Sharon and his children and grandchildren. He had a special bond with his siblings and all of his many, many friends. Don was also v...[more]

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dedicated to his employees, and to his community. He served on the Algona Municipal Utilities Board of Directors, the Boatman's Bank Board of Directors, the Algona City Council, and the Iowa Lakes Community College Board. His biggest hobby was his work. He loved golfing with his sons and caring for his home estate and the grounds surrounding KOFAB. Donald E. Schiltz died Friday, June 29, 2007 at Methodist Hospital, Rochester, Minnesota following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 66. He is survived by his wife Sharon; four children and 13 grandchildren: Brian and his wife Cindy and their children, Andrea, Lindsay, and Brandon; Gary and his wife Colleen and their children Kristina, Andrew, and Parker; Bill and his wife Ann and their children, Billy, Mallory and Kassidy; and Kris Springer and her husband John and their children, Jordan, Jessica, Joshua, and Jackson. He is also survived by five brothers and sisters, John Schiltz of Lake Mills, Walter "Gene" Schiltz and his wife Audrey of Albert Lea, MN, Mary Schmidt and her husband Don of Algona, Cecelia Plathe and her husband Dick of Algona, and Leon Schiltz and his wife Polly of Glennville, MN; a sister-in-law, Theresa Schiltz of Albert Lea, MN; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Robert.