Donald L. Yoerger

Donald L Yoerger of Hawarden, Iowa passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, at Hillcrest Care Center. He was born to Charles and Faye Yoerger on June 9, 1943, in Akron, Iowa.

He is survived by Dianne, his loving wife of 61 years, his son and daughter-in-law David and Kristen Yoerger of Beaverton, OR, his daughter and son-in-law Danita and Joseph Sanborn of Cambridge, MA, as well as his four grandchildren: Carson and Brett Yoerger and twins Alexis and Morgan Sanborn. Don is also survived by his dear friend Roman Nunez. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jan, and his brothers Keith, Charles and Larry.

Don worked hard as a small business owner, first running the Palace Theater in Alton, IA and a bowling alley in Hawarden, but he was always drawn to serving good food at every establishment he owned, which he found to be his true passion. He designed and built the Bistro restaurant in Hawarden, where for 20 years he delighted in serving dinners and suppers (and most importantly spending time with) his many friends and colleagues in town who came to eat there. He and Dianne then ran the Drive In in Hawarden for 19 years. Don loved his work, but he most enjoyed traveling the entire country with Dianne and following the activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

A private Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Church, Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish, and burial at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden under the direction of Porter Funeral Home.