Donald York Downing

Donald “Don” York Downing, 81, passed away on March 16, 2026 at the Fountains, Bettendorf, Iowa. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Weerts Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow beginning at 1:30 p.m. Don will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be left to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or St Jude Children’s Hospital.

Don was born on December 27, 1944, in San Diego, California, Don was the son of Donald Downing and Geraldine (Dowden) Downing. He moved to Rock Island and later to Bettendorf during his youth and graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1962. Don enlisted in the United States Army, he was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War where he served as an air traffic controller.

Following his military service, Don began a 46-year career in the dairy business. His professional journey culminated in his role as sales manager for Swiss Valley Farms, Co. where he retired in 2008.

Don married Judy Qualman on January 3, 1981. The pair enjoyed many years of playing in bridge clubs, travelling, and spending time with their grandchildren. Don was an avid bowler who took pride in achieving a near perfect score of 299. Golf was another passion.

Don is survived by his wife, Judy Downing; children, Bradley (Penny) Downing, Mark Norman, Kathy (Dave) Lundberg; grandchildren, Grace, Kaitlin, Matthew, Megan B., Meara, Anna, Janie, Hunter, Megan H., Erin, Amanda; great-grandchildren, Adelynn, Max, Frank, Fiona, Quinn; sister, Karen (Charles) Rascher, and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; son, Stephen Norman; daughter, Stacy Hessong, and a grandson, Thomas Hessong.