Donald Bartholomew

Donald “Don” E. Bartholomew, 85, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Eldora,, passed away in the comfort of his home the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.

Donald Eugene Bartholomew was born Oct. 30, 1940 in Marshalltown, at the Evangelical Deaconess Hospital. He was one of three children born to Wayne and Dorothy (DeSchamp) Bartholomew. Don grew up on the family farm outside of Steamboat Rock.  He graduated from Steamboat Rock High School in the Class of 1958. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Navy where he served from 1958 until 1962 when he was honorably discharged from service. 

Don was the proud father of two children: Bridget and Brett. He spent his career working in the veterinary medical supplies field working for TechMix. He claimed to have been able to travel to any small town that he needed to get to and knew every road to take to get there. Don remained working full time for many years, transitioned to part-time until he fully retired in 2011. He was a long-time member of the Eldora American Legion.  

Don was blessed to marry the love of his life, Katharine “Kitty” DeWitt (Meyer) April 6, 1979, and they continued to reside in the Eldora and Guttenberg areas. He called Guttenberg home until the passing of Kitty. In 2006, he moved to Cedar Rapids to live closer to his son, Brett. In his free time, Don enjoyed afternoons golfing and fishing, traveling to visit his family, spending time with his family and friends and had a soft spot for the animals which he called his best friends.  To those who knew Don, he never met a stranger and will be missed by his family and friends. 

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his children, Bridget Bartholomew, of Charles City, and Brett Bartholomew, of Cedar Rapids; step-children: Michael DeWitt, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and Leslie (Winston) Bigelow of Saint Cloud, Florida; his brother, Dennis (Barb) Bartholomew of Eldora; his sister-in-law, Bobbie Bartholomew, of Phoenix, Arizona; his nieces and nephews, Cassie (Lemuel) Elechicon, Jarrod (Julie) Bartholomew and Joanie (Ryan) Bauer and his close friend Carmen Hiller, of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kitty Bartholomew; his parents, Wayne and Dorothy Bartholomew; his brother, Daryl Bartholomew; his step-son, David DeWitt; and his niece, Donann Lee.

Per Don’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no formal services are planned at this time. Memorials in Don’s name may be directed to his family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.