Fulda, MN
    Donald Lee Caauwe, age 71, of Sanborn, IA, passed away on August 29, 2014 at Maple Lawn in Fulda, MN.
     Don was born August 13, 1943 in Sibley, IA, to Adrian Cornelius, Jr. and Martha (Norman) Caauwe. Don grew up on his Uncle Elmer and Aunt Edna (Caauwe) Miller’s home place north and west of Sanborn, IA. Don was welcomed home by an older sister, Delores. He attended and graduated from Sanborn Community School in 1962. Upon graduation Don worked at Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Plant in Springfield, IL for two winters, returning home to farm in the summers.
     Don married Sue Carol Jacobs on March 21, 1965 and moved to a farm they rented just west of Sanborn, IA until 1976. They were then able to purchase and farm his Uncle Elmer Miller’s land which then became the current home place for Don and Sue. Don lived on the home place until 2012 and then resided in Sheldon, IA and just recently moved to Maple Lawn in Fulda, MN. Don and Sue had two children, Lorie and Timothy.
     Don spent many early years working on neighboring farms doing custom farming and repairing machinery. His life goal was to own and farm his own land which he accomplished. Many of his hobbies were collecting and restoring Farmall tractors and machinery and repairing and restoring engines. He collected and enjoyed model trains, planes and toy tractors. Don and his family demonstrated working antique tractors, belt driven corn shellers and farm equipment at many steam and threshing shows especially the Albert City Thresherman show in Albert City, IA. He also owned and operated a 52 inch sawmill.
     Don was an active member in the Sheldon Church of Christ as the Sunday school secretary and treasurer. He served as a deacon for many years. Later Don and Sue became members of the Worthington Christian Church. Don was baptized by immersion into Christ at the age of 13 years old at the Sheldon Church of Christ on June 17, 1956.
     Don is survived by his daughter, Lorie (Doug) White of Fulda, MN; son, Timothy Caauwe of Fulda, MN; grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Benjamin and Faith White of Fulda, MN; sister, Delores Hafley of Bloomington, MN; sister-in-laws, Arlene Allwardt of Watertown, SD and Sandra Carter of Athens, IL; brother-in-law, James (Marinoka) Jacobs of Pana, IL and three nephews and seven nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife Sue in 2012; also his father, mother and three brothers-in-laws.
     Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Worthington Christian Church in Worthington, MN. Officiating is Associate Minister John Mulholland, Jr. and Elder Dan Beerman. Casket bearers are Jordan White, Benjamin White, Matthew Hafley, Mark Hafley, James Jacobs, Jimmy Carter, Arlan Lode and Bob Henning. Burial will be at the East Lawn Cemetery in Sheldon, IA.
Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at the Worthington Christian Church.
Arrangements are with Benson Funeral Home, Worthington, MN
