Donald “Don” E. Miens, 81, of Sioux City, IA passed away July 16, 2026 at a local hospital. A funeral service will be held Thursday, July 23 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Burial with military honors will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery.

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Donald Eugene Miens of Sioux City, Iowa. Our dad left this world peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Herbert and Irene Miens, he was known for his unwavering work ethic, warm sense of humor, and gentle wisdom. Our father's integrity and kindness inspired those around him, leaving a lasting impression of his character and values. 

Our dad attended and graduated from East High School. While in high school, he met our mom, Barbara Wilcox, and they married on October 20, 1965, beginning a lifelong journey together. After graduating, he was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he served as a helicopter crew chief on the UH-1 Huey with the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry. Our dad was a decorated Vietnam Veteran and proud of his unit. After the war, he built a 45-year career as a shift supervisor at MidAmerican Energy (formerly IPS), helping meet the community's energy needs and ensuring safety. Our dad taught us the value of hard work, self-respect, resilience, a love of animals, and unconditional love for others.

He took great pride in detailing the vehicles he drove. We will forever cherish our summer road trips to Duluth, Minnesota, to visit his family. Dad enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs. Beyond his professional achievements, his greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was being a husband and dad. He was our hero, our guide, and our biggest supporter through every phase of life. He was a devoted husband to my mom, a father to me (Cyndi Gregg) and my sister, Kris Rodriguez, a brother to Rick Miens of Duluth, Minnesota, a grandfather to Sara Miens, Shelby Onwiler, and Abby Onwiler, a father-in-law to my husband, Rodney, and to Dennis Onwiler, and a friend to many. He had many nieces and nephews.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Herb and Irene Miens; his sister, Darlene Levine; his in-laws, Lee and Louise Wilcox; his son-in-law, Daniel Rodriguez; many aunts and uncles; and his best friend, London. 

Dad, heaven may have gained an angel, but our hearts will hold you forever. Your love and spirit will continue to guide us, and your legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication will live on in all we do. You will be missed more than words can say. We would like to thank everyone at Unity Point Health Downtown for the wonderful care Dad received during this difficult time. 

With all our love, Mom, Cyndi, and Kris.