Donald Dean Brattebo

Donald Dean Brattebo November 5, 1931 - June 23, 2026 Donald Dean Brattebo, 94, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026. Though he spent most of his life in West Des Moines and Urbandale, Iowa, Don and his beloved wife, Patsy Ann made their home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, beginning in 2022. Wherever they lived, they were together-and that was always what mattered most. Born in Story City, Iowa, Don was the cherished only child of Lewis B. and Ruby Brattebo. From an early age, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the things he loved: sports, music, the outdoors, and the camaraderie that came with all of them. He quarterbacked the Story City Norsemen, kept the beat as a snare drummer in the marching band, and began the lifelong passions for hunting and fishing that would later become treasured traditions with his sons. After graduating in 1949, Don attended Upper Iowa University, where he again took the field as quarterback-this time for the Peacocks. But the most important thing that happened in Fayette wasn't on the football field. It was at the Coffee Nook Café, where a young short-order cook named Don met a hometown girl named Patsy. They worked for their meals, fell in love, and built a life that would span 72 years of marriage, a remarkable partnership rooted in devotion, humor, and steadfast loyalty. Don earned his business degree and went on to Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in 1953, becoming a second lieutenant. Don and Patsy married on March 15, 1954, and soon began their adventure together in Hampton Roads, Virginia, during his active service. They returned to Iowa in 1955, eventually raising three sons and forming deep, lifelong friendships in two cherished neighborhoods-Pleasant Street and later Brookshire Drive. As a father, Don was hands-on, playful, and endlessly patient. He taught his boys to fish, hunt, garden, and compete with integrity. He modeled discipline, honor, faith, and the quiet satisfaction of doing one's best, values he lived rather than preached. His sons carry those lessons with them still. Don's faith community at First Christian Church of Des Moines was another anchor in his life. He served as an Elder, led committees, and spent a term as president of the congregation. His professional life reflected the same steady character: he spent 30 years at Equitable Life of Iowa, rising through the ranks before joining The Principal Financial Group in 1985. There, he eventually served as Executive Vice President of Securities and Investments. At his retirement in 1996, his boss described him as "the consummate people person"-a sentiment echoed by countless colleagues and friends. Don is survived by the love of his life, Patsy, of Eden Prairie; his sons Eric (Dana Point, California), Craig (Jeanine) (Eden Prairie, Minnesota), and Douglas (Brownsville, Texas); and his grandchildren Benon, Owen, and Fraya Brattebo, who brought him immense joy. A memorial service will be held on June 30 at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church, 15050 Scenic Heights Road, Eden Prairie , (Visitation at 12:15 p.m., Service at 1:00 p.m.). A graveside service will follow in Story City, Iowa. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Nature Conservancy in Iowa.