Donald J. Sumpter

Donald Joseph Sumpter passed on May 20, 2022 in his home with his wife and family by his side. He was 80 years old. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m., on Monday, May 23, 2022 at Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn. Private family services will be held with Pastor Rick Magstadt officiating.

Don was born to Dwain and Helen Sumpter on March 19, 1942 with his twin sister, Donna, at St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell. Don attended Grinnell schools where he obtained the nickname “Buck” and graduated with the Class of 1960. During high school, he worked at a gas station where he raised the money to attend William Penn College in Oskaloosa where he played football. After college, Don worked at G.T.E Telephone Co. in Grinnell, then at Manatts in Brooklyn. He later became a long time employee of Napa Auto in Brooklyn where he become well known in the community as “Napa Don” until his retirement in 2008.

Don is the father of son Rick and daughter Tracy by a previous marriage. He moved to Brooklyn where he met and later married Mary Kriegel on March 16, 1990 when he gained five more children, Jackie, Kerry, Sandy, Rick and MaryAnn.

Don loved old cars, restoring his 1950 Ford, and attending many car shows with Mary where they won many trophies. He enjoyed fishing, football (especially the Iowa Hawkeyes), morning coffee at the Plants gas station socializing with friends, and spending time in his man cave. In his retirement, Don also spent his time detailing cars, working in his yard and making projects out of pallets for family and many family friends. He loved all of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Don also loved spending time at family gatherings, refereeing family kickball games and spending time with Mary on short trips, eating out and enjoying life together.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Mary. His children; Rick Sumpter, Tracy Sumpter, Jackie (Mike) Kleitsch, Kerry (Susan) Kriegel, Sandy Kriegel, Rick (Angel) Kriegel, all of Brooklyn, and MaryAnn (Roy) Eakins of Grinnell. His grandchildren; Jenna Fraker, Devon (Channing) Fraker, Tyler (Willow) Kriegel, Nicholas (Jodi) Kleitsch, Tara (Jake) Kriegel, Jessica (Joe) Kleitsch, Jessi Wieck, Danielle (Chad) Bartling, Allen Eakins, Sterling (Cody) Kriegel, Jillian (Dylan) Eakins, Haley Eakins, and Briar Kriegel and his great grandchildren; Dane, Brooks, Kenzie, AnnaSofia, Olivia, Cruz and Waylon. His brother Ron Sumpter of Chicago, a sister, Vickie Langford and a brother-in-law, Phil Wertz, both of Grinnell. Don is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Joe and Mary Hunsaker, two sisters; Donna and Judy and two half brothers; Clyde and Jerry.

Don enjoyed a great life and will be missed by all who knew him.