Donald George Simpson

Donald George Simpson, age 95 of Yankton, South Dakota, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa and originally of Hawarden, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at Avera Majestic Bluffs / Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Donald, the son of John O and Agnes J (Rasmussen) Simpson, was born August 22, 1929 on the Simpson Family farm southeast of Hawarden, Iowa. He was raised and attended schools in Hawarden, and graduated from Hawarden High School in 1947.

In 1951 he joined the United States Army, and after basic training was fortunate to spend his service time in Europe as a supply clerk. He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1953 with the rank of Corporal (E-4) and briefly moved back to the family farm. He attended classes at South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts (South Dakota State University) in Brookings, and settled in Sioux Falls for a period of time before moving to Sioux City in the late 1950s where he worked for Wigman Company initially in the warehouse, and subsequently the offices as a draftsman / estimator, and eventually chief draftsman / estimator for them.

It was in Sioux City in the late 1950s that he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Younker. They were engaged Christmas, 1959 and married May 14, 1960 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sioux City.

He remained at Wigman Company until his retirement in 1999. After a brief period of “enjoying his retirement” - and with encouragement from his wife, Carol - he became a pickup and delivery driver for Knoepfler Chevrolet, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car®.

During his life in Sioux City, Donald volunteered with Civil Defense (prior to it becoming Woodbury County Emergency Services) and was a communications officer and member of NWS SKYWARN as a weather spotter, spending many severe weather events atop the hill near the microwave tower on the west side of Sioux City. He was an avid Ham Radio operator over the years, with the call sign of WAØPHU (AFBØPHU) and is now 10-7 / 10-42.

He and his wife Carol could often be found dining at the Crystal Café in South Sioux City, walking the Skywalk of Sioux City or along the Chris Larson Park riverfront, or traveling to visit friends and family. Don also enjoyed attending the Ag-Rail Fests at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops (Sioux City Railroad Museum) with his son, John.

He moved to Walnut Village Senior Living in Yankton, SD in late 2017 after experiencing difficulties living alone at his home in Sioux City, and resided at Avera Majestic Bluffs / Sister James Care Center at the time of his death.

Donald is survived by his son John (fiancé, Sandi Mathis) of Yankton, SD; sister-in-law Cathy Handke of Camdenton, MO; nephew Brian (Sherri) Handke of Linn Creek, MO; niece Julie Ann Tuttle of Guttenberg, IA; and several other loving relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Laverne “Snooks” and sister-in-law Coralie (Younker) Heller; sister Mildred (Simpson) Buffington; daughter-in-law Trixie (Kay) Simpson; brother Harold Simpson; and wife Carol Ann (Younker) Simpson.

A Memorial Service for Donald will be held on Saturday, May 31 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1122 Jackson Street in Sioux City from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Pastor Randy Rasmussen will lead a Prayer Service at 11:30am with lunch and visitation to follow. A Graveside Service for family and friends will be held at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, Iowa following the memorial at approximately 3:30pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.