Donald W. Huygens

Donald W. Huygens, 79, of Mason City, IA, died Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit. Memorial services will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 100 1st Street NE, Mason City, with Rev. Kathryn Rust officiating. Masonic services will be conducted by the Benevolence Masonic Lodge #145 A.F. and A.M. Upon his wishes, his body was cremated and there will be no visitation. Inurnment will be in the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, IA at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, 2025 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414. In addition, canned food is being accepted at the service, which will be donated to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. Donald was born March 10, 1935, in Alton, IA, the son of Adrian and Evelyn (Eason) Huygens. He graduated from Akron High School in 1953, and continued his education at the University of Iowa’s College of Pharmacy, earning his degree in June of 1957. Donald was united in marriage to Margaret Ann Jenkins on February 2, 1957, at the University of Iowa, Dan Forth Chapel, in Iowa City. Following his graduation, the couple moved to Mason City. Over the years, he worked as a Pharmacist for Casey Drug Co. on South Federal (1957 – 1961), Family Drug (1961 – 1965), and Park Clinic Pharmacy, which later became Mercy Hospital, from 1965 until his retirement from full-time employment in March of 1997. He then worked part-time at Shopko and doing fill in work for numerous local pharmacies until his 2nd retirement in February of 2014. Donald was a proud pharmacist for 57 years. Donald enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved traveling with his wife, often revisiting their favorite places such as Great Brittan. Donald would make every family Christmas special by “playing” Santa Clause for his grandchildren who were very important to him. He always looked forward to supporting them in their extracurricular activities. Donald was a super Iowa Hawkeye fan who enjoyed watching trains and railroad history, stamp collecting and volunteering with various community organizations. He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ where he was active in church choir. He was also a member of the Shriners and a 50 plus year member of the Benevolence Masonic Lodge #145A.F. and A.M. He was awarded the designation of Knight of the York Cross of Honour, the highest York Rite of Freemasonry and conferred only on those who have held the highest office in each of the four bodies of the rite. He served as Master of Benevolence Lodge in 1981, High Priest of Benevolence Chapter, Royal Arch Mason in 1972, Master of Mason City Council, Royal Select Masters in 1976 and Commander of Antioch Commandery, Knight Templar, in 1979. Donald was a good man who liked keeping things simple. He will be deeply missed. Donald is survived by his wife of 57 years: Margaret A. Huygens; 2 sons: James Edward Huygens and wife Jill of West Des Moines, IA, and Thomas Michael Huygens and wife Sheryl of Waverly, IA; 4 grandchildren: Meredith, Addison, Michael and Christopher Huygens; and one brother: Alan Huygens and wife Judy of Akron, IA. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers-in-law: Albert Jenkins and wife MaryAnn, Bill Jenkins and wife Anne, and Edwin Jenkins and wife Barb; 1 sister-in-law: Henrietta Hewitt.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be in the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, 2025 E River Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55414. In addition, canned food is being accepted at the service, which will be donated to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank.

Visitation:
Upon his wishes, his body was cremated and there will be no visitation.