Don Risdal, 83 of Sioux City, died Thursday, November 26, 2020. A service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Donald Marvin Risdal was born on April 5, 1937 in McCallsburg, Iowa, the son of Dwayne and Maurine (Hauskins) Risdal. At 18, he joined the Air Force. Don a.k.a "Rizzy," spent his career working on airplanes as a crew chief while traveling the world with the military. His favorite place was Australia. Don joined the 185th Tactical Fighter Group in Sioux City in 1961, and deployed when the unit activated during the Vietnam War. Don spent every day for many years on the flightline in the Iowa heat and cold- a time he wouldn't trade for the world. Don retired from the Air Force in 1991 as a Master Sergeant with an honorable discharge, after 34 years of service.

Don married Barbara Winkler in 1982. He enjoyed his retirement years being with his wife and children. Barb passed away in 2018, and Don moved in with his daughter Hailie and her wife, Kelsey. His days were spent relaxing on the patio of an acreage watching his grandchildren, Rowan and Finley, ride bikes and run around the yard. Don also very much enjoyed target practice with his youngest son, Trevor.

Don was an incredibly kind, generous man. He was a devoted husband, a loving brother, father and grandfather. He was welcoming to everyone that had the pleasure of being near him. Five of his children joined the military themselves, following in his footsteps. Our father was our hero, and he will be forever missed.

Don is survived by his sons Michael (Lori) Risdal, Robert (Jill) Risdal, Troy Risdal, Trevor (Jen) Risdal, all of Sioux City, his daughters, Sue (Chuck) Hirsch of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, and Hailie (Kelsey) Risdal of Sioux City, 15 grandchildren, his sisters Beverly Alitz of McCallsburg, Iowa and Sharon Risdal of Story City, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, daughter Denise Risdal and two sons, Heath and Nicholas Risdal.