Donald Mettille
Donald Richard Mettille, 92, of Dubuque passed away peacefully July 7, 2020 surrounded by his family at his home in Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, July 11 at the Church of the Nativity in Dubuque with Rev. Andy Upah officiating. Entombment followed in Mount Olivet Chapel Mausoleum in Dubuque.
Don was born April 3, 1928 in Dubuque, the son of George and Irene (Murphy) Mettille. He helped support the family after attending school in Lansing by working on the family farm and other jobs throughout northeastern Iowa.
He married Margaret Sheeley September 16, 1950 at the Church of the Nativity and began work at Frommelt Industries (currently Rite-Hite). In 1951 he became a member of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War until 1953. Upon returning from Korea, Don went back to Frommelt’s working in many different capacities until he retired in 1990, completing a 40-year career. After his 40 years he enjoyed helping out for many years at his son’s business - All Seasons Heating and Cooling.
Don and Margaret shared over 68 years of marriage. Don always enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and some ballroom dancing, including post-festivities. Throughout Don’s life, no matter where he was or who he was talking with, he always had a smile on his face, kind words of support, and an endless amount of positive attitude and energy - he lived and loved every day of his life!
All his life he loved to plant and grow a garden each year, hunting, fishing and playing a hand of euchre. In his later years he enjoyed traveling and sometimes the casinos. Watching the Hawkeyes, Packers and the Cubs with his family and friends was always a treat. Don belonged to the American Legion Post 6 for over 65 years and he was always volunteering with church and school activities.
He is survived by his eight children: Deb (Jim) Frick of Davenport and their children, Abby (Brad) Snyder, and their daughter, Grace, of Roseville, MN, and Brian Frick and Brad Frick of Waukee; Joe (Sue) Mettille of Dubuque and their sons, Matt Mettille of San Francisco, CA, Jeff Mettille of Washington, DC, and Nate (Rachel) Mettille and their daughters, Lucy and Emmy, of Eagan, MN; Mike Mettille of Dubuque and his daughter, Ashley Mettille of Los Angeles, CA, and his son, Rob Lopez of Colorado Springs, CO; Pat (Jeff) Britt of Riverside; Dave (Felisa) Mettille and their daughters, Sophia, Chloe and Mia, of Doylestown, PA, EmmaLee (Brian) Montiero of Raleigh, NC and Amanda of New York City, NY; Mary Jo Mettille of Dubuque; Ann Mettille of Iowa City; and Jacque Mettille of Dubuque. Also surviving are his sister, Rita Dougherty of Waukon; his brother, Jim (Connie) Mettille of Lansing; and his sister-in-law, Kay Mettille of Lansing.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; his parents; his brother, Ralph Mettille; his sister-in-law, Rose Ann (Robert) Malone; his brother-in-law, John Doughtery; his niece, Barb Mettille; and his nephew, Jim Malone.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Dubuque, American Legion Post 6 or Dubuque Humane Society. The family wishes to thank all of the healthcare practitioners and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, Medical Associates, Mercy Hospital, Home Instead Senior Care and 24 Hour Nursing Care/VA.
