Lee Greimann

Donald “Lee” Greimann • February 9, 1936, to July 30, 2026 • 90 years old

Cherished partner • Devoted father • Beloved grandfather • Treasured uncle 

• Forever in Our Hearts •

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home – Perry Chapel, 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa. 

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association in Lee’s memory. 

www.alz.org

Honoring his final wish, Lee generously donated his body to Des Moines University for medical education and research.

Lee was born in rural Kellerton, Iowa. He spent his growing up years in Ringold County. He was the youngest of 5 children. Born to Milan Wilbur and Donna Greimann (Swigart).

He graduated from Mt. Ayr High School in 1955. He married Marlene Braby on April 22, 1956, at the RLDS church in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. He joined the Army in 1958. He was stationed in Fort McPherson, GA. He was a Sharpshooter and he ran the Supply Depot for his base. At the end of his enlistment Lee and Marlene relocated back to Iowa in 1960 to be closer to family.

Lee and Marlene were married for 50 years. They lived in Granger, Dallas Center, and Perry throughout their marriage.

They had 5 children: Donna LeaAnn (Steve) Carlson; Kristy LaDon (Jim) Brau; the twins, Steven Kyle (Cathy Edmonson) Greimann and Sonya Kae (Chuck) Coy, and Wendy Elaine Goodale; 12 grandkids; 18 great-grandkids; and his first great-great-grandchild will arrive in September.

After he was discharged from the Army, he worked at Firestone Tire for a few years. He then made his full-time career as Hatchery Manager at Hy-Line International for 42+ years. He was also the Ambassador of international students and trainees for Hy-Line. He traveled to many different countries, such as Japan, Germany, El Salvador, and Turkey, to train them how to run their hatcheries. He also assisted trainees from other countries that traveled to the U.S., he always made them feel welcome. He would often invite the trainees to our home to experience our culture along with some of our family holidays.

In his spare time, he could always be found outside in nature, hunting, fishing, camping, and boating with his family. Lee had a passion for animals of all sorts, which was always a big part of our lives growing up.

After losing his first love Marlene in 2006, Lee later found love once again with Diane Benson. Diane and Lee were together for 18 years. They were inseparable, always living life to its fullest. With Diane came her 6 children and 13 grandchildren, that grew to love and respect Lee, who they referred to as "Papa". 

To us, he was our “Rock” no matter which side of the family you were on. He was always the fun and playful one, that could be found outside playing with the grandkids using his magical “Peter Pan Spirit” to draw them to him and get into mischief.

His acceptance and love were unconditional. He was the person that you called on if you needed anything. He always took care of the hard things head-on, in the most dignified, kind manner. His honesty and integrity shined through everything that he did, he was highly respected by all that knew him.

We encourage all to continue celebrating Lee’s life through acts of kindness and remembrance.

His grandchildren will forever cherish the memories they shared with their grandpa. 

In their own words, they remember him best:

• "Best grandpa a girl could hope for. He never knew a stranger and had such a bright presence."

• "Grandpa set the ultimate example of how to treat others."

• "Your corny jokes always cheer me up."

• "You gave the most powerful hugs."

• "I'll never forget your enthusiasm for us grandkids, we always had fun."

• "I don't know what this 'crazy' family would do without you."

• "I'm a better person today because of Grandpa."

• "Thank you for teaching me…"

• "Thank you for bringing a warm, strong hug to every life event and for giving us all someone to look up to."

• "I love you because you are always yourself, and you've taught every member of our family to be their own individual as well."

• "The most special thing about you is that you love your wife, kids, and grandkids with all your heart."