Donald Else, 81, of New Sharon, peacefully passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Mahaska Health Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.
Donald Lee Else, son of Roy and Gertrude (Steenhoek) Else, was born January 4, 1945, in New Sharon, Iowa. Growing up, Donald attended North Mahaska High School and was a member of the Warhawk teams in choir, track, baseball, and football. Don graduated with the class of 1963. He then attended William Penn College before beginning his career in the banking industry. Don later held a variety of positions in the finance sector. Don was married to Jennifer Chaplik, and together they had a son, Thomas. Don lived in Urbandale for most of his working career before moving back to his hometown of New Sharon.
Don was very proud of his sons who served in the United States Navy. He was also proud of his granddaughters’ growth & success. In his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing with his sons, Tom and John; John always seemed to be the luckiest with reeling in the first catch. Don loved being a joyful prankster with his kids & granddaughters, such as planting lollipops in the yard to make his granddaughters believe that they suddenly grew there. Additionally, he enjoyed WW2 & Vietnam history, sprint car races, dancing, golfing with friends, and family vacations to the Black Hills, which were among Don’s most cherished memories. He was also an avid dog lover, even getting his little buddy, Norman “Grumps” Else, a miniature long-haired red dachshund, whom he was known to spoil daily.
Don’s family includes his two sons: Thomas Else of New Sharon; and John Merkley of Shamong, NJ; his granddaughters: Ashley and Avery Merkley of West Des Moines; a sister, Pat Boyd of Mt. Vernon; a niece, Mary Leopold of Mt. Vernon; and his faithful companion, his dog, Norman.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Gertrude.
Memorial services for Don will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Langkamp Funeral Chapel, with Reverend Molly Goodrich of First Christian Church officiating. Visitation will begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and continue until the service time. As was his wish, Don’s body has been cremated. Memorials may be made to the Mahaska Hospice Serenity House or the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter.
