Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Donald “Don” Hendershot, 88, of Waterloo, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Pinnacle Specialty Care in Cedar Falls.
He was born on February 25, 1938, in Traer, son of William J. and Ethel Mae Dobson Hendershot. Don served in the United States Army for two years prior to his honorable discharge in May 1959. He married Yvonne “Vonnie” Brubaker on January 14, 1961, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua.
Don started at Rath Packing Co. and worked there for some years. Then he went on to work at John Deere for 25 years, retiring in 1988. Following his retirement, he worked for the Courier for 33 years
He was a member of the UAW Local 838. Don liked classic cars. He enjoyed spending his time in his swimming pool and riding his motorcycle. He loved going fishing at Rainy Lake, MN. He went there every year for over 50 years. In his younger years, he and Vonnie enjoyed camping with their family.
Don is survived by his wife, Vonnie of Waterloo; son, Stephen (Vicki) Hendershot of Cedar Falls; two daughters, Angela Voshell and Jaqie (Doug) Yarrington, both of Waterloo; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one brother, Alvin (Shirley) Hendershot of Grundy Center; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Wayne Voshell; one great-grandchild, Gabriel Hendershot; two brothers, Marlyn and Frank Hendershot; and four sisters, Doris Lundak, Beulah Haefner, Marian Drilling, and Luella Reeves.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM Friday, March 13, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, with burial in Waterloo Cemetery, both in Waterloo. Visitation: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave, Waterloo. Military rites by Iowa Army National Guard, Waterloo American Legion Post #138 and VFW Post #1623. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UnityPoint Hospice.
Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.
Visitation
March 12, 2026
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Funeral Service
March 13, 2026
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Every workday felt like a good day when Don stopped by in the morning.
He would come into my office with a big smile and say, “Good morning!” After dropping off the publications, we would always have a short conversation before he continued on his way. As he walked down the hall, you could hear him greeting and talking with everyone he passed on the way to his next stop.
Don had a way of brightening the day for so many people. He was missed when he retired, and he will be missed even more now. His kindness, warmth, and friendly spirit will always be remembered.
I will always remember Don and his mischievous smile. I worked with him at John Deere and at the Courier. Rest high on that mountain Don.
I worked with Don in the old and new foundries. Don is what I’d call “a mans man”. He gave a full days work and more. When he gave his word to do something it was done. He gave you the straight facts when you asked him about something. He is a friend I will not forget. Rest in peace Don.