Donald R. Southwick, 96, of Roswell, N.M., passed away July 9, 2020, where he lived with his wife of 73 years, Ruth C. (Hartzler) Southwick.
Donald was born in Kalona, Iowa, May 16, 1924. Upon graduation from Kalona High School, he proudly served in World War II with four of his brothers where he bravely fought in Germany in the Army Artillery of B Company.
After his service to his country (June 9, 1943 – March 22, 1946) he returned home and married his beloved, Ruth on Jan. 9, 1947. They had four children, James Ray, Linda Kay, Peggy Ann, and Tommy Joe. He went to school to learn telegraph and teletype and worked for the railroad his entire career.
Upon retiring from the railroad, he and his wife bought a fishing resort in northwestern Wisconsin where he loved to fish and golf. Donald and Ruth also had a love for traveling and a love for the desert where they eventually bought a home in Roswell, N.M.
Donald is survived by his wife: Ruth C. Southwick; and their children, James (Barbara) Southwick of Naples, Fla., Linda (Tom) Miller of Hayward, Wis., Peggy Leigott of Gosnell, Ark., and Tommy (Emma) Southwick of Roswell, N.M.; seven surviving grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Donald was predeceased by his parents: Leon and Fern Southwick; his three sisters and five brothers: Leora Ressler, Dale Southwick, Hazel Aleo, Bert Southwick, Keith Southwick, Robert Southwick, Katheryn Kos, and Leon Southwick Jr.
Arrangements for a 2021 memorial service and celebration of life in Kalona, Iowa, are pending.
