DONALD GEORGE NAU

Cedar Rapids

With profound sadness we announce the passing of the patriarch of our family, Donald George Nau on March 31, 2022. He was a resident of the Meth-Wick Community. A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment immediately following at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Our father Don was born Jan. 24, 1927, near Middletown, Iowa, to Russell and Bessie (Headley) Nau. He lived on the family farm and rode his pony to a one-room schoolhouse until his mother decided he should enroll in Burlington High School for the opportunity of a better education. After high school graduation in 1945 he was drafted to join the U.S. Army serving in the Berlin, Germany occupation. After returning from the military, Don attended Burlington Junior College followed by the University of Iowa where he earned his B.A. in 1950, followed by his M.A. in educational administration in 1951. He earned his State of Iowa Principal's certification in 1959 and his Superintendent's certification in 1961.

Don met Grace Nealey as a young child as their mothers were members of the same garden club. Their 70-year romance began in high school, and they married on July 25, 1948, after his return from service deployment. Together they forged a union that inspired us with their undying love and exceptional support for each other. Their marriage was truly a partnership. Dad was devoted to Mom and was her caregiver throughout several illnesses until her passing Dec. 6, 2016.

Don began his career in education as a teacher at Marion High School. He next served as high school principal in Olin, Iowa, followed by junior-high school principal in West Liberty. He then took an assignment as assistant principal at Jefferson High School from 1957-1965. He moved to McKinley Junior High as principal from 1965-66. He joined Washington Senior High School as principal, where he continued in that role until 1981. During his first year at WHS the student body numbered 2400, making it the largest three-year high school in the state. He introduced Advanced Placement Programs, a full complement of women's sports, and led an expansion of the Fine Arts Programs during his tenure. We three children graduated from WHS with our father as our principal. Don finished his career as a curriculum planner working from the Educational Service Center.

Don was a member of the NEA and IHSAA, the Jefferson High School Hall of Fame and Washington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ where he actively volunteered in church upkeep, doing countless hours of interior painting. He was an excellent bridge player and skilled woodworking artisan. He created many beautiful furniture pieces and cabinetry that all members of our family cherish. He led us on camping trips to national parks across the U.S., driving the station wagon and pulling the pop-up camper, but most importantly providing us educational opportunities, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds. He and Grace visited all 50 states, and 30 countries in the Far East, Africa and Europe. He was a Green Bay Packers and Cubs fan and a Hawkeyes through and through. He loved dogs, especially our Wire Fox Terrier Betsy, and all of his grand-dogs.

Dad was a gentleman farmer, managing the family farm near Danville, Iowa, with the help of his nephews Paul Nau and Charlie Nealey. He valued his farm background and enjoyed gardening. His strong work ethic, which emanated from his farm upbringing, served as an example for us and his grandchildren.

Our father's support, love, and guidance were so influential. Family always came first, followed by education. He was truly our bedrock and we will miss him profoundly. Survivors include three children, Dr. Scott (Jackie) Nau, Dr. Bradley (Leona) Nau and Julie (David) Perez; eight grandchildren, Gretchen (Shawn Price), Dr. Peter (Kayla) Nau, Benjamin (Jennifer) Nau, Emily Nau, Dr. Eric (Leigh Zisko) Nau, Jonathan (Danielle) Nau, Daniel (Jenna) Perez and Andrew (Rachel) Perez; 17 great-grandchildren, Grace, Sophia, Jackson, Preston, Elise, Noah, Nathaniel, Madeline, Nolan, Eleanor, Harper, Quinn, Henry, Isabel, Lillian, Mason and Aaron; sister-in-law, Mrs. Nola Nealey; Gail Nau; 10 nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren.

We are very grateful to the staff of Meth-Wick, especially to the staff of Stewart Neighborhood at the Woodlands, for the kindness and care you extended to our father and to our family. We would also like to thank Dr. Melanie Stahlberg and the caregivers at the Hospice of Mercy.