Donald D. “Don” Cox

Donald D. “Don” Cox, age 93, of Hazel Green, WI, completed his earthly journey on October 10, 2025, at home while surrounded by his loving family.  Per Don’s request, no public services will be held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Don’s family.

Don was born on July 31, 1932, in Galesburg, IL, a son to Fred (Lorena) Cox.  He was truly blessed to life a full and abundant life, thankfully with some wonderful opportunities, and yet, coupled as life happens to do with some tragic moments as well.  He honorably served his country with the U.S. Army before eventually returning to finish his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at Wester Illinois University.  He began his early working years as a high school coach in Park Forest, IL, an elementary principal in Gilson, IL, and finally as a high school principal in Abingdon, IL.  He enjoyed working in education, but decided it was time for a new chapter and in May of 1964, he began his 35 years of service with State Farm Insurance.  He faithfully put in the work and in time became an Agency Manager.  Don welcomed retirement when it arrived and was forever grateful for all of the satisfaction he had received throughout his careers.

Don was fortunate enough to find love three times throughout his 93 years among us.  First, with Mary Jo Lindahl, who blessed his life with three sons before she was sadly passed away ahead of him in 1962.  He found his second love, Nancy Vogler in time and she also blessed Don with two more sons to love and adore.  Sadly, once again, Nancy passed away much too early.  Thankfully, Holly Piper walked into his life and this loving relationship would last until the end for Don.  Don was a good man who loved his family dearly and even though the trials and tribulations were difficult to face and navigate, he was able to make it through each one and find a new peace with each new chapter he built.  His legacy of love and devotion were always on display and Don clearly understood that the only parts of this life which we can honestly control are the points where we react to it as it is happening to us.  As Don would say, “Keep getting up each day and keep on keepin’ on”.

Don also made it a point to enjoy the downtime in life as much as possible.  He enjoyed the outdoors to a fault and spent countless hours perfecting his fly-fishing skills, as well as always being prepared for when duck, pheasant and turkey seasons would be open and a few more hours could be spent in the outdoors.  Don was also an avid golfer and the swings (and practice swings) he put in at Galena Golf Club were among his favorites over the years.  Not to be outdone with outdoor activities, Don was also an accomplished Barbershop Quartet enthusiast.  He sang with many groups over the years including The Nights at Camelot, Clipper Chorus, River Knights Quartet, and finally with the Dubuque Chorus as his final excursion into perfect melodies and harmonies with friends by his side.  Don treasured each and every aspect of his life outside of work and home and always appreciated that his natural gifts often brought not only joy to himself, but quite often to others around him.  Just an excellent way to live life when such blessings come our way.

Don will be dearly missed and forever loved by all who have had the pleasure to know him.  His positive outlook and influence on the world around him was undeniable and for having such a man walk in our midst, we are forever grateful. Thank you, Don, for living life with your chin up, even in the moments when you would have been justifiably head-down, and for reinforcing to all those around you that we only get to walk through this world one time; it’s entirely up to us how the story goes and who we allow to help us write it along the way.

Those left to cherish the memory of Don include,

his loving wife,

Holly Cox, Hazel Green, WI;

his six children,

Tim (Beth) Cox, Burlington, IA,

John (Dee) Cox, Kirksville, MO,

Steve (Paula) Cox, Cordova, IA,

Dan (Chris) Cox, Muscatine, IA,

Tom (Michelle) Cox, Burlington, IA,

and Kelly Piper, Hazel Green, WI;

his grandchildren,

Hallie (Armondo) Moreira, Emily (Tyler) Hill, Sydney (Jorge) Osrnio, Madelyn Cox, Cory Cox, Austin Cox, Adam Cox, Kaleb (Emma) Cox, Jeffrey Cox, Jacob Cox and Logan Cox;

his great-grandchildren,

Sophia, Matteo, Braelyn and Delano;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Jo (Lindahl) Cox; his second wife, Nancy (Vogler) Cox; his brother, Gene (Bea) Cox; his sister, Marvis (Wilbur) Dennis; and his granddaughter, Kenadee Marie Cox.

Don’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Don’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com