Donald Lee Grant, 75 of Mt. Vernon, died Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit at St. Lukes.  Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2016 at All Saints Catholic Church, with Fr. John R. Flaherty presiding.  Burial will be in Czech National Cemetery.  A Vigil Service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Friends may visit the family following the Vigil until 7 p.m.

Don was born July 18, 1941 in rural Delaware County, the son of Joseph and Esther (Clark) Grant.  He graduated from Marion High School, class of 1959.  Don was united in marriage to Darlene Marie Bizek on July 18, 1960 at St. Patrick Catholic Church.   Don worked as a field surveyor and supervisor for over 42 ½ years with the Iowa Department of Transportation, retiring in 2002. He also spent many weekends doing surveying with his good friend Larry McGuire. Don had a very strong work ethic and instilled that in his family at an early age.  He enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes play basketball and football. He continued to challenge his sons and even his grandsons to a good game of basketball in the driveway. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, golf, and playing pool. Don's passion was travelling with his family. He would put so much time into planning their annual trips. He knew every highway and side road there was in the United States (all 50 of them). Great memories were made by all. They were also able to travel to other countries including Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, and France.  He loved going to his children and grandchildren's activities, where he was their biggest fan.  Family time was very important to Don.  A quote that Don found of comfort was "I can't wait to see what's over the next hill."

Don is survived by his wife Darlene; his children Robert (Yvonne) Grant of Prole, Ronald (Lori) Grant of Cedar Rapids, and Christine (Tom) Pientok of Swisher; nine grandchildren Mitchell, Nicholas and Carissa Grant, Ashley, Kyle and Zachary Grant, Grant, Garrett and Grace Pientok; one great-grandchild Drake Reynolds; two brothers William Grant and Duane (Glenda) Grant; and his sister Margaret Kula; as well as his nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James Grant and his grandparents.

He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the family.