Donald Keith Warner, 78, of Lansing, Mich., formerly of Davenport, passed away Aug. 3, 2026, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, following a brief illness.
Donnie was born to Ray and Verna (Wiese) Warner on Oct. 23, 1947, in Mercy Hospital, Davenport. He was the middle child between Denny and Debi. As a youth he loved farm life at RR4, Davenport, helping with chores and accompanying his dad on his milk route. Don attended Probstei 2B Country School in Davenport (which had been the same country school his maternal grandfather, Hugo Wiese, attended, and his mother, Verna Wiese Warner, had attended). Don attended the country school through sixth grade; along with many Iowa country schools, Probstei 2B closed that year. Donnie started seventh grade at Williams Junior High School. Soon after, the Warner family moved from the farm and purchased a home on Kimberly Road in Davenport. He went on to graduate from Davenport West High School in 1965. Immediately upon graduation, Don followed his plan to complete his apprenticeship and become a journeyman machinist. He worked at Roemer Machine Shop in Davenport for many years.
Soon after high school, Don married his high school sweetheart, Sherri Lark Malone, in March 1968. Their plan was to grow their family and have their own home, which they enjoyed together. Three lovely daughters completed their household: Heidi, Gina, and Elizabeth; Don loved his family of girls.
With his strong work ethic, Don set goals for a family home. Don and Sherri purchased an acreage in rural Davenport and proceeded to renovate their home and the grounds. He enjoyed hard work and a sense of accomplishment. We could see the joy in their venture as the acreage evolved into their beautiful home.
Don had successful surgeries immediately following his auto collision on the gravel road near their home in March 1989. After completing months of physical rehabilitation, he was able to return to work, which later took him to Lansing, where he continued to work as a journeyman machinist until he retired.
Don was dearly treasured by his family. He was aware of others through his thoughtful and quiet spirit, which will be dearly missed. His conversations and telephone calls were frequent and fun, where he would share his thoughts and opinions and laughter. The sound of his voice is already missed. Don’s genuine sense of old-fashioned responsibility was the trademark in all of his decisions and endeavors. We will remember every detail of his gentle, and sincere nature that made him our ‘Don,” whom we loved very much.
Those left to cherish his memory include daughters: Heidi Quillin, Gina Sturdy (Todd), and Elizabeth Warner. Grandchildren: Keegan Sturdy, Carson Sturdy, Kensington Sturdy, Jonathan Benefield and Javin Benefield. Sister: Debra Warner Schultz (Edward). Sister-in-law: Diann Warner. His first love: Sherri Lark (Malone) Derer.
Don was preceded in death by grandparents: Hugo Wiese and Clara (Tagge) Wiese, Charles Warner and Ella (Becker) Warner. Raymond Warner and Verna (Wiese) Warner. Brother: Dennis Ray Warner.
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a future date.
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