Donald Thayer, age 82, of Storm Lake, Iowa died February 14, 2015 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. Interment will be at a later date at the Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Don's memory to UnityPoint Hospice. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald James Thayer, the son of Orville and Amanda (Rice) Thayer, was born on a farm west of Storm Lake on February 11, 1933. He was baptized and confirmed at the Storm Lake United Methodist Church. Don lived his youth in the Storm Lake vicinity, receiving his education at the Hayes Consolidated Schools and graduating with the Class of 1951. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean Conflict.

On October 14, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Phyllis Maxine Obman at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Storm Lake. This union was blessed with five children: Steven, Robert, David, Diane and Judy. Following their marriage, Don farmed with his father. In April of 1957, Don and Phyllis purchased the farm they are currently residing on and have spent their lifetime together there. Don’s lifelong passion was farming and throughout the years he raised many kinds of livestock along with his grain farming. He enjoyed Jeeps, spending time outdoors, working with his hands, traveling to the western part of the United States and enjoying the mountains, as well as visiting many historical sites and learning about military history.

Don’s life is honored and celebrated by his family which includes his wife of 58 years, Phyllis of Storm Lake, Iowa; children: Steve (Brandi) Thayer of Marathon, Iowa; Robert (Teysa) Thayer of Berthoud, Colorado; David Thayer of Peterson, Iowa; Diane (Kevin) King of Truesdale, Iowa; and Judy (Dan) Reis of Winterset, Iowa; grandchildren: Dawn (Chris) Hiatt, Kim Thayer, Kristin Thayer, Aaron Thayer, Randy Thayer, and Cody (Amy) Cariaga, two great grandchildren: Conner Hiatt and Amelia Cariaga; two sisters: Alice Sievers of Omaha, Nebraska; and Peggy Launderville of Elk River, Minnesota; nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Amanda; two grandsons: Jeremy Thayer and Travis McClurg; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Lorena Obman; and brother-in-law, Louie Launderville.