Donald Milver Erusha, 96 years young, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on March 14, 2019 after a very short illness.  Papa was a kind and generous role model for everyone that knew him; he was loving, active, ethical, humble, and a life-long learner.

Donald was born October 28, 1922 in Walford, IA, the eldest son of Milver and Alma (Schumacher) Erusha. Don served in the U.S. Army 84th Infantry Division, otherwise known as "The Railsplitters" during World War II.  They landed in England in 1944, crossed into France and the Netherlands, and fought in the "Battle of the Bulge". They captured the German city of Hanover and liberated two satellites of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp: Ahlem and Salzwedel, all in April of 1945.  He was awarded the Purple Heart to honor his service.

When he returned from WWII, he graduated from the University of Iowa.  Don began his career as a bank examiner for the FDIC in Cherokee.  In 1950, he and his father purchased the Chelsea Savings Bank in Chelsea, and later opened a branch in Belle Plaine.  In 1964, they bought the Solon State Bank, and Don served as its president until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 77.  He served as chairman of the board for both banks until his passing.

Don married the love of his life, Rita Erger, on June 20, 1950 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Walford.  Together, the couple resided in Atlantic, Cherokee and Chelsea, Iowa, before eventually settling in Solon, where they raised their four children.  Don was a supportive father, and later embraced each of their childrens' spouses as his own children.  Family was paramount to Don, and his siblings and in-laws also played a prominent role in his life.

Don's philanthropy and community service will continue his legacy for years to come.  He was Co-chairman of St. Mary building committee and served on St. Mary Finance Commission for many years. He was a past president of Iowa Banking Group 8, an early president of the Solon Optimist Club, a member of the Solon American Legion, past president of The Railsplitters Army reunions, and established the Solon Area Community Foundation. He was particularly proud of bringing the Freedom Rock Memorial to Solon.  In 2015, he was named Solon's Senior of the year and was the grand marshall of the Beef Days parade.  Don and his wife have established several endowment funds, and he served on the Mercy Hospital Foundation board of directors in Iowa City , as well as the Solon Nursing Care Center board. Don's faith was a prominent part of his life, and he and Rita are devoted members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Solon and St. Matthew's in Cedar Rapids.

Papa loved to tell stories, and learning more about everything.  He took delight in sharing popcorn and orange pop with his grandchildren, who later graduated to sharing gin and tonics with him.  He and his brother built a playhouse that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have all enjoyed.  Don was a Hawkeye fan, fond of growing orchids, experimenting with the latest in technology, hunting, boating and waterskiing, black licorice and Sen Sen, eating Rita's cooking, schmorgle, and vanilla DQ ice cream (well, any ice cream, really).

Donald is survived by his bride of 68 years, Rita, children Kathryn (Gary) Fattig of Chelsea, Iowa, Karlene (Michael) Lindseth of Eden Prairie, MN, Michael (Julie) Erusha of Sheridan, WY, and D. Neil (Patty) Erusha of Solon, Iowa, grandchildren Carrie (Josh) Tinkham, Anne (Mitch) Juelsgaard, Jessie (Jason) Becker, Nicole Lindseth, Daniel (Kirstin) Erusha,  Robert (Kacie) Fattig, Andrew Erusha, Krista Lindseth, Sarah Trinkle, Angela Erusha, and Owen Erusha, as well as 5 great-grandchildren:  Sawyer and Cora Tinkham, Braelyn and Lylia Becker, and James Juelsgaard, with 2 more "greats" on the way.  He is also survived by sisters Dolores Kaiden and Cordelia "Dilla" (Jack) Cosgrove, and his in-laws Kenny (Ginger) Erger, Mary Erger and Florine (Clair) Rowe;

as well as many nieces and nephews.  Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Milver and Alma Erusha, brother Robert Erusha, sister-in-law Arlene Erusha and brothers-in-law Gene Kaiden and Robert Erger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in Don's memory to be given to his favorite charities.