Donald Joseph Bahe, 78, of Stanley, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on January 24, 1945, in Oelwein, the son of Laverne and Josephine (Rau) Bahe. Don was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Oelwein. He attended West Central School in Maynard until transferring to Oelwein, graduating in 1963.
On June 24, 1978, Don was united in marriage to Deb Meisgeier at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arlington. To this union three children were born: Joe, Ann, and Dan. Don farmed for many years, his primary focus was hogs, corn, and soybeans. On the side, he sold seed corn, tiled, and did earthwork. Don was an advocate of soil conservation, soil health, and cover crops. He served on several boards including Fayette County Extension, Zion Lutheran Church, Fayette County Pork Producers, Fayette County Farm Bureau, and most recently, Fayette County Soil Commission.
Left to mourn are his wife of 45 years, Deb Bahe of Stanley; his three children, Joe (Lisa) Bahe of Stanley, Ann (Cody) Richardson of Crystal River, Florida, and Dan (Jessica) Bahe of Marion; six grandchildren, Jenna, June, and Julia Bahe of Stanley, Eli and Elise Richardson of Crystal River, Florida, and Warren Bahe of Marion; his brother, Bob (Mardene) Bahe of Oelwein; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many other friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne and Josephine Bahe; his parents-in-law, Ken and Betty Meisgeier; and cousins.
Memorials will be distributed at the family’s discretion.
Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com
Funeral Service: 3:30 p.m., on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Stanley Union Church in Stanley, Iowa, with Pastor Phil Rownd officiating.
Visitation: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Stanley Union Church, in Stanley, Iowa. Friends may also call one hour before the service at the church on Friday.
Interment: Union Cemetery – rural Aurora, Iowa
A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow the burial at the Aurora Legion in Aurora, Iowa.
