Donald "Don" Gene Raitt

Donald “Don” Gene Raitt
Mitchellville, Iowa

Donald “Don” Gene Raitt, 76, passed away on November 12, 2025, in Indianola, Iowa. He was born on May 17, 1949 to John and Ruth Raitt.

Don graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 1967. He retired from Metro Waste Authority, where he was a heavy equipment operator and foreman at the Compost facility. Don enjoyed woodworking, hunting, golfing with his sons and brothers, and working on tractors—often riding in tractor parades. He also enjoyed horseback riding. In his youth, he participated in wrestling and football.

Don and Sherrill helped raise five of their grandchildren, Kelsey, Danielle, Sean, Nick and Taylor, who all hold a special place in their hearts.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Sherrill, whom he married on August 22, 1969; children, Steve (Trina) Raitt of West Des Moines, Mike (Steph) Raitt of Indianola and Johnny Raitt of Colfax; grandchildren, Renee Raitt of Des Moines, Kelsey (George) Sankey of Des Moines, Danielle Raitt of Indianola, Sean (Makayla) Raitt of Adel, Jackson (Raven) Raitt of Ankeny, Nick (Marlena) Raitt of Indianola, Taylor (Brandon) Johnson of Ankeny, Sam Raitt of Ankeny, Sophia Raitt of Ankeny, Colton (Nadia) Shilling of Indianola and Cameron Shilling of Seymour; 10 great grandchildren and brothers, Danny (Sandy) Raitt of Dallas Center, John Raitt of Des Moines, Raymond (Pam) Raitt of South Dakota and David (Sara) Raitt of North Carolina and sister-in-law, Diane Raitt of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Raitt of Florida and sister-in-law, Sharon Raitt.

Family will greet guests on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Don will be laid to rest at Altoona Cemetery following his service.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Don.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

Print