Donald Alba

Don died in Bettendorf, Iowa, on July 24, 2026, after nearly 70 years of marriage to his beloved bride, Carol Warren Alba. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Don and Carol had 3 children – Sharon Greving (and Ray), Diane Ingram (and Steven), and Tim Alba (and Anna), along with 6 grandchildren – Ben, Becky, Andy, Leslie, Joshua, and Caleb, and 13 great grandchildren – Silas, Oscar, Garrett, Madelynn, Samson, Wesley, Rocky, Cade, Acre, Truett, Henley, Lewis, and Banks.

Don’s life was successful because he was faithful . . . faithful to his Savior, Jesus Christ . . . faithful to his family . . . faithful to serve anyone in need, expecting nothing in return.

Overcoming poverty and a language barrier (Spanish was spoken at home), Don was the first Alba to earn a bachelor’s degree – mechanical engineering from LeTourneau College. While caring for a wife and two preschoolers and working 30+ hours per week, Don was college valedictorian (graduated in 3 years!) – a fact that no one, not even his wife, knew until it was published in a local newspaper, because bragging was not in Don’s character.

During three decades at Amana Refrigeration, Don earned multiple patents. But what defined Don wasn’t his successful career; it was his above-reproach integrity, humble passion to serve people, joyful generosity, and especially his love for Jesus Christ, family, and anyone he met. Don didn’t tell you that he loved you; he showed love.

If you want to send a note of remembrance and encouragement, please send it to [email protected]. And if you want to make a financial donation in Don’s honor, please do so to Don and Carol’s church of 5+ decades: Victor Baptist Church, 201 7th Street, Victor, IA 52347, or to the hospice house that cared so well for Don in his final days – Clarice C. Cook Hospice House, 2546 Tech Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722.

Don’s family couldn’t be prouder of him. For to know Don was to respect and love Don – a man of few words, but also a man who has surely heard His Savior proclaim, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master!” (Matthew 25:21).

If you want to know about this Jesus who transformed a poor Mexican kid into a true champion, please ask one of Don’s kids. They’d love to help you, just like their dad did.