Don Pottinger

Donovan “Don” Duane Pottinger, the son of W. H. “Dick” Pottinger and Charlesa M. Alpaugh, was born May 28, 1929, on a farm south of Prescott, IA. Later they had two girls, Janis and Katherine. Don attended a country school and then finished his education at Prescott Community Schools in 1947, as class president. That same year his parents sold their farm and bought an acreage north of Creston on Cherry Street Road. After high school, Don went on to work on the railroad. As a young man, Don enjoyed spending time with his cousins, Robert, Bud and Keith Hanna.
Don and Betty’s story began the night he walked up to her and asked her dance. She replied, “Do you know how to Jitter Bug?” Don replied “yes” and that dance has continued for the last 65 years. On April 8, 1950, they were united in marriage. After marriage, Don worked in the oil fields, near Newcastle, WY. While in Wyoming, a son Wayne Alan was born on November 11, 1950. In 1953, they moved back to Iowa on a farm northeast of Afton and lived there 3 years before moving to where they have now lived 60 years. Their second child, Connie Kay was born August 3, 1954. Their third child, Lori Ann was born on November 9, 1962. They felt so blessed by all three children. As the kids got older and started their lives, they blessed them with grandkids and great grandkids who loved spending time with Don on the farm.
Don and Betty worked hard side by side maintaining the farm. However, they always found time for one another through their love for music dancing. They had many trips to Colorado over the years where Donnie attempted to see as many mountain tops as possible. During his retirement, he enjoyed visiting the sale barn, drinking coffee and socializing with his friends; all while continuing to help with the harvest every year.
He will always be remembered a man who provided for his family, a kind heart, loved to visit and didn’t know a stranger.
Don is survived by his wife, Betty, of Creston; his son, Wayne (wife Karen) Pottinger, of Creston; his daughter, Lori Pottinger, of Rollinsville, CO; Five Grandchildren: Nathan, Jenny, Josh, Angela, and Morton; Seven Great-Grandchildren: Kolten, Shauna, Kaylie, Issak, Luke, Logan and Caden; and his sister, Janis (husband Keith) Bullock, of Shannon City, IA. He is preceded in death by his sister, Katherine; his daughter, Connie; and other beloved family members.