Donald “Don” Agostine
Donald C. Agostine, 80, of Marcus, died Saturday, February 25, 2017, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus, with graveside services immediately following. The Knights of Columbus led the rosary at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1. The wake service was at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, with the family present 4-7 p.m., and a prayer service following at 7 p.m., all at the church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Greenwood-Schubert Funeral Home of Marcus. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwoodfuneral.com.
Don was born June 19, 1936 in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Urbano and Imelde (Righini) Agostine.
Don attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and Heelan High School. He also attended Loras College, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
In the fall and winter of 1958, he served on active duty as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. Following military service, he was employed by Retail Credit Company in Sioux City and by Wilson Concrete Company in Omaha and Red Oak, Iowa.
In 1961, Don was called to active duty with the 32nd Army Division at Ft. Lewis, Washington, He was released from active duty in August of 1962.
When he was released from active duty, Don began studies leading to ordination to the Catholic priesthood. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the Aquinas Institute of Theology in Dubuque, Iowa, and a Master of Arts degree from Creighton University. He was ordained in 1967.
Don served as assistant pastor at St. Mary’s in Alton and guidance counselor at Spaulding High School in Granville, Iowa, for one year. He served six years as assistant pastor, instructor and guidance counselor at St. John’s parish and school in Bancroft, Iowa.
Don was granted laicization by Pope Paul IV in 1976. He married Linda Meister on January 19, 1976. He adopted Linda’s three sons; Brett, Corey and Dennis Meister.
In 1975, Don was employed as executive director of the Cherokee County Work-Activity Center and remained in that position until his retirement in 2002. One year later, he began part time employment as Chaplain for Tyson Foods in Cherokee, Iowa, a position he held until his full retirement in 2010.
Don’s life was centered around his Lord, his wife, and his family. He closely followed the progress of his children and grandchildren and their involvement in school and out of school. He was an active Catholic and a dedicated follower of Jesus, his risen Lord.
Don was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Holy Name Council. He enjoyed making things of steel and wood, especially the cross of the Resurrection, which he made and gave to many persons in the community.
Don enjoyed making bread, cooking, fixing things, playing the guitar, observing social processes and nature.
He is survived by his wife, Linda of Marcus; three sons: Brett (Kelleen) of Atlanta; Corey (Gina) of Moville, Iowa; and Dennis (Angie) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: Kaitlin (Brenton) Brown, Brooklyn (Joshua) Neely, Brady, Carly, Jack Meister, Evan and Emily Meister; one great-grandchild, Alice Brown; one brother, Jim Agostine and his companion Trudy Gries; and many nieces and nephews.
