Obituary of Donald J. Jehle

Donald J. Jehle, age 84 lifelong resident of Iowa City, died March 3, 2023, under the compassionate and professional care of Iowa City Hospice and all the staff at the Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County. Donald Jay Jehle was born May 4, 1938, the son of Robert and Esther (Rushek) Jehle. Attending schools in Iowa City, he graduated with the Class of 1957 from City High School. Donald married Joan Detwiler in 1959, and to this union their two children were born, Scott and Susan. As a teenager, Donald worked at the Iowa City Airport where his dad ran the flying service. Don flew solo at the age of 16, and enjoyed his time at the airport flying and working on the planes. As an adult he began his working career in the insurance field beginning as a representative for the National Travelers Life Company. Later working for a number of other insurance companies, and as District Manager for the Cedar Rapids Gazette in the Iowa City area. He then took a job in the maintenance department at the University of Iowa as a mechanic for many of the residence halls on campus. He retired from the University many years later. Don enjoyed fishing, family vacations to the southwest, gambling and of course Iowa Hawkeye sports. He was known to spend a bit of time at the former Ground Round and Shakespeares where he was fondly known as “Wiggles”. Don’s family includes his two children, Scott Jehle (Kelly), and Susan Jehle (Chris Dautremont); three granddaughters, Erin Jehle (Mike Alderson), Ryan Dawson (Wesley), and Lynn Jehle; 4 great-grandchildren, Rilynn, Rowen, Xander and Eli; brother, Robert Jehle (Mary Jo); cousin, Leanne Eggert, and niece, Melanie Stutzman (Bob). Don was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Harold and George “Corky” Jehle. No public services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Don’s memory to either Iowa City Hospice or The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County. His family cannot thank them enough for such loving care of their Dad & Grandpa!