Donald Stine
April 8, 1942 ~ January 8, 2023
Donald Alvin Stine, 80, passed away on January 8, 2023. Don was born in Ogden, Iowa, April 8, 1942, to Loren and Dorothy (Bever) Stine. He graduated from Adel High School, in Adel, Iowa, and earned his bachelor's degree in music education at the University of Northern Iowa. He then embarked on his storied career as a high school band director, landing his first job at East Buchanan High School in 1964. In 1967, he started teaching band at Mount Vernon High School. In 1969, Don married Judy (Johnson) Stine. The couple moved to Mount Vernon, Iowa in 1972.
Don directed countless award-winning high school bands, developed the local municipal band, and founded the Eastern Iowa Brass Band. All continue to perform today. He loved being Mr. Stine, band director, and performing with students brought him the most profound happiness. He was also passionate about antiques and collectibles, from wind-up cars to all manner of toy trains.
Don's wit and dry sense of humor were some of his best features. His stories and keen sense of showmanship were at the heart of his being. What he did for others, how hard he pushed and polished those he saw potential, was at the diamond at his center that we all knew and loved. Don's passion for, 'making a show of it', will live on in countless musicians, antique collectors, and community members alike for years to come.
Don is survived by daughter, Alexis (Loren) Gallegos of Camas, Washington; son, Morgan (Kathryn) Stine of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Megan (Isaac) Way of Port Townsend, Washington; grandson, Kai Gallegos; granddaughter, Alice Way; nephews, Patrick McCarron, and Matthew Harrison.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy Stine; mother, Dorothy Stine; father, Loren Stine; sisters, Ellen (Thode) Stine, Linda Stine, and Sarah Stine.
There will be a joint memorial for Don and Judy Stine, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
Cards for the family may be mailed in care of Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 715 10th Ave SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314.
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My summer with Don Stone
Don was one year ahead of me at Adel High School. I had dropped out of the band but we played basketball together.
I believe it was the summer of 1963(we were home from college) we decided to play tennis. He was painting barns (hard work–good pay) and I was working at the Adel bank so we played at night. We played at the Brethren Church out in the country because they had a tennis court next to the church. When we first started playing he beat me every game. He was so competitive he would not back off and let me win one game. Later in the summer my game improved and we had lots of good matches. One night we were both so thirsty we broke into the church (his idea) and drank all the lemonade we found in the refrigerator.
Also that summer we drove his family diesel Mercedes on a two week site seeing trip out west to California and back to Adel. At that time it was hard to find diesel fuel (only at truck stops) so we carried a can of diesel fuel in the trunk just to be safe (his idea). Don planned the trip and we saw many tourist sites. We had car problems in Sacramento right near a Mercedes dealership and pushed the car into the dealers lot. What luck. Only delayed two hours.
I visited Don in Mount Vernon (and you guessed it) we played tennis.
Yes, Don had a dry sense of humor and he was very competitive on the court.
With love to his family.
His friend.
Steve Jacobson
In 1968 Mr. Stine was our new band director at MVHS. I played tuba which was unusual for a girl but he was very encouraging and supportive to improve,setting up a little rivalry between the other tuba player and myself to see who would be first chair. As if it really mattered but the two of us worked harder because of his little plot! Mr. Stine also had a quirky sense of humor that I grew to appreciate. Fond memories! My deepest sympathy, Carol Hoke Burns ,class of 1968
Don and Judy were both very talented and a creative couple. Don and I talked at length several times after Judy died. He was grieving with such intensity and over-whelmed with the house, cooking and all their antiques. I have felt that he died of a broken heart.
Below is a photo of a beautiful dome Judy and Don made for me decades ago. I will continue to treasure it and the memories of the Stines friendship.
I first met Don at State College of Iowa before it became UNI, around 1961. We were both music majors and members of the music fraternity on campus. I thought him “strange” much of the time at first. But when he talked, you listened because what he would say might be very suprising, or funny, or just so common sense important you wish you would have thought of it. After we graduated, we went our separate teaching ways–he with bands at Mount Vernon and me with choirs at Linn-Mar in Marion. When we met at festivals, concerts, state judging, and later at his antique shop, it seemed like we never had a problem talking as if we were still kids in college. We both missed those memories. Now I’m sure those who knew him best, miss him even more. He was a friend, and one of a kind person.
Byron Thompson
Judy and Don were a positive influence for so many people. They both made a great difference in my life. Sue (Wenholz Steininger) Eagle
Judy and Don were wonderful folks. I was a year ahead of Judy in high school and at the University of Northern Iowa (State College of Iowa, initially). Judy had always been kind to me even though I was not at all popular. She was funny and friendly and engaging. Don was a very good man and also a very good band/orchestra teacher. He had us play contemporary music and taught us new marching band routines. It was great! And Don treated us all with respect, using Ms. or Mr. with our last names when speaking with us. My sister, Mary, went to Canada on a band trip and it was one of her best high school experiences.
In the fall of 2020, I was able to meet with Judy and Don at their home in Mount Vernon, just weeks before Judy’s death. It isn’t often we get to tell people that they have had such a positive impact on our lives. I was lucky to be able to thank them both.
Sue Wenholz, class of 1965.
I just learned of Don and Judy’s passing. I may be six months late at extending my condolences but I have fond memories of Don from working together with him at Midland schools where he worked with our fifth graders with their beginning band endeavors. What a kind gentleman he was! Like others I remember his humor and wisdom. He had patience and respect for all. Judy would make the most delicious and beautiful Christmas treats. We all loved her rum cake and I remember getting into some sort of trouble for getting the giggles after we teachers enjoyed her cake during our break. I knew Don better than Judy but I remember both as being great people who not only talented but who were genuinely good people. I am saddened by their passing.