Donald Eugene Graven was born January 28, 1936 in Jefferson. His parents were Beryl and Pauline (Probst) Graven. Don had one sister, Janet.
Don grew up on the family farm north of Jefferson where he lived, now. He graduated from Jefferson High School. On November 7, 1955 he married Jackie Ott. They resided in Jefferson and became parents to eight children. They were married 61 years. Jackie passed away in 2015.
As a young man, Don worked for a local plumber. Over the years, his knowledge of plumbing was shared and appreciated by all of his family. Don became a heavy equipment operator for several companies out of Des Moines. He also farmed, which he loved.
For a number of years, Don was a member of the Jefferson volunteer fire department. In his free time he loved motorcycles of all kinds: riding them, racing them and working on them. Through the years, Don appreciated his dogs and their faithful companionship. He also enjoyed camping, especially with his family. Don was a “teaser”; he loved teasing the grandkids and had nicknames for them. He enjoyed attending the Clay County Fair in Spencer. He liked to go fishing. Most of all, Don loved spending time with his family.
For nearly 20 years, Don spent the winter months in Texas, first with his wife Jackie by his side, and even after her passing he continued to winter in Texas. There, he had many acquaintances and good friends.
Don Graven died Feb. 10, 2021, in Harlingen, TX. He was 85 years of age. He was preceded in death by his wife Jackie; grandson Logan Scheuermann; and sister Janet Davis.
Don is survived by his daughter Vicki Nation and her husband Dan of Jefferson, and their family, Ryan and Nicole Nation, Clementine and Annabelle of Ventura, CA, Jason and Alison Nation, Lincoln and Fletcher of Bella Vista, AR, and Ashley and Rafael Martinez, Iker, Rafa, and Pablo of Lenexa, KS; his son Kevin Graven and his wife, Meladee, of Grand Junction, and their family Travis Graven of Des Moines, Cory and Kimberly Graven, Maverick, Piper and Wren of Urbana, and Kyle Graven of Grand Junction; his son Rodney Graven and his wife Sherry of Jefferson, and their family Derek Graven of Winter Park, CO, and Jenna and Wade Nasheim, Nora and Grady of Ames; his son Danny Graven of Jefferson; his daughter Julie Graven of Jefferson; his daughter Janie Scheuermann and her husband Kent of Jefferson, and their family Airicka Scheuermann and Leroy Davis, Eyezayah Scheuermann and Octavia Davis of Jefferson, and Lyndsie and Josh Thompson, Koen, Nolen, and Kasen of Jefferson; his son, Jay Graven of Jefferson; and his son Terry Graven and fiancé Pearlie Nguyen of Norman, OK.
