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Donald Ray Sardeson

June 26, 1948 - December 25, 2015

Sonald Ray Sardeson, 67, of Ankeny, Iowa passed away Friday, December 25 after a brief and intense battle with cancer. Don was born June 26, 1948 in Portland, Oregon to Stephen and Gladys Sardeson. Following his father’s death in 1950, he moved to Sioux City, Iowa with his mother and younger brother, Grover. He graduated from Sioux City East High School in 1966 and married Cynthia Wingfield on September 30, 1968. During this time, he joined the United States Navy and served for eight years while stationed in Virginia. He and his family returned to Sioux City where he began his long-standing career with the United States Postal Service. He accepted a job transfer in 1987 and relocated the family to Ankeny, IA. He later joined the Army National Guard in Johnston, IA and proudly served for several years before retiring in September 2004.
For decades, Don was extremely active in various Masonic organizations where he held many positions, including Past Master at King David Lodge #407 AF/AM in Altoona, IA and most recently served as Secretary. He also continued his membership with Tyrian Lodge #508 AF/AM in Sioux City, IA.
Following his retirement from the USPS and National Guard, he took fiddle lessons and became an avid player. He enjoyed sharing his talent by playing for residents at Sunnyview Nursing Home every Thursday afternoon. He also dedicated his time to volunteerism through multiple Masonic functions and fiddle-related events. For the past several years, he proudly participated in the Fiddler’s Contest held annually at the Iowa State Fair.
Above all of his accomplishments, Don’s greatest love was his family. He felt the most joy when spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. While he loved equally, he shared a special bond with each one and cherished every moment they had together. He was also a devoted uncle to 13 nieces and nephews; and 5 great nieces and nephews all of whom he loved dearly.
Don is preceded in death by his older siblings, Robert Edward and Connie Jean; his father Stephen; his stepfather, George Cobb; and his mother, Gladys Cobb (Sardeson/Rye). He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cyndy; his two sons, Steve (Laura) Sardeson of San Antonio, TX; and Mark (Tami) Sardeson of Ankeny, IA; and his daughter, Becky (Mike) Leonard of Polk City, IA; his brother, Grover Sardeson and sister, Christine (Doug) Gude. Don has one grandson, Landon Leonard, and three granddaughters, Cassandra Sardeson, Grace Leonard, and Courtney Sardeson.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Memorial Services of Iowa located at 4208 N Ankeny Blvd. in Ankeny, IA. Funeral services for Don will be on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Don will be laid to rest at Ankeny Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.