Donald James Phelps

Donald James Phelps, 68, of Colesburg, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Unity Point Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque. He was born on April 28, 1957, in Guttenberg, the son of Leland and Vivian (Brandenburg) Phelps. Don grew up in the Colesburg area and was a 1975 graduate of Edgewood-Colesburg High School.

In 1977, Don was married to Delores Bunce. Two children, Keith and Jasmine, were born to this union. They later divorced. In 1993, Don married Julia Simons. Two sons, Luke and Jake, were born to this union. The couple later divorced.  Don worked as a photographer for Olin Mills. He then worked at Ertl’s and American Homes. Don most recently worked at Lumber Specialties in Dyersville and retired in October 2024.

Don enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He liked watching tv and going to car shows. After his retirement, Don enjoyed fishing and coloring. Family was important to Don and he especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Shiloh.

Survivors include his three children, Jasmine (Dondi) Reed of Dubuque, Luke Phelps of Colesburg, and Jake (Victoria Moll) Phelps of Colesburg; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, Duwane (Alice) Phelps of Colesburg; one sister, Karen (Charles) Jaster of Elkader; two aunts, Janet Phelps of Edgewood, and Lila Bushaw of Florida; special friend, Jeff Kriesler of Garber; and several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, David, and one sister, Stella, both in infancy.

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