Donald H. Pilgrim, professor emeritus of mathematics at Luther, passed away peacefully at his home with his six daughters at his side on Feb. 23, 2016, at the age of 86.

Donald Harry Pilgrim was born on May 31, 1929, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Harold and Charlotte (Olsen) Pilgrim. Don graduated from South Sioux High School and continued on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Morningside College. He earned a master of science degree from the University of Iowa and his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin.

Don was married to Virginia Lee (Fuhrman) Pilgrim on June 17, 1956; they were married 52 years.

Don worked as a mathematics teacher at Paulina High School and Keokuk Community College in Iowa. From 1956 to 1991, he was a professor of mathematics at Luther. Virginia and Don then retired and lived in Bella Vista, Ark., for 17 years. Virginia passed away on March 25, 2008. Don stayed in Bella Vista for one more year before moving back to Decorah for the remainder of his life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, golfing, reading, music, and doing crossword puzzles. He was also actively involved in his church memberships.

Don is survived by his six daughters: Suzanne (Pilgrim) Kittelson ’84 and husband Randy Kittelson ’84 of Golden, Colorado; Kim (Pilgrim) Huinker ’82 and husband, Mike of Decorah, Iowa; twins, Julie (Pilgrim) Hjerleid ’84 and husband Gavin of Mallard, Iowa, and Paula (Pilgrim) Jewell ’84 and husband Bobby of Decorah, Iowa; Mary Pilgrim Helzer ’84 of Decorah, Iowa; and Martha Pilgrim ’92 and husband Joshua of Fayetteville, Ark. Grandchildren: Jeremy Kittelson ’97; Joshua Kittelson and wife Allison; Hannah (Huinker) Schroeher ’08 and husband John Schroeher ’08; Lydia Huinker ’09 and fiancé Brian Black; Dane Huinker ’14 and girlfriend Taylor Nelson ’14; Gannon Hjerleid and girlfriend Alex Mullen; Taylor (Hjerleid) Buch and husband Brandon; Logan Hjerleid ’14; Payton Hjerleid; Jessica (Jewell) Tangen ’08 and husband Mike Tangen ’08; Samantha (Jewell) Wedemeier ’11 and husband Tyler Wedemeier ’13; Robby Jewell ’14 and girlfriend Jordyn Dudek ’14; Josey Jewell and girlfriend Micole Lansing; Ames, Myla, and Murray Helzer; Roy Pilgrim and girlfriend Aviva Steigmeyer; Reyes; Solomon; twins Leaf and Roald Pilgrim-Brown. Great-grandchildren: Bodin, Jack, Gunner, Ryder, and Abel Kittelson; Jack Schroeher; Gracelynn, Jaden, and Virginia Tangen. Nephew Jeffery Pilgrim and niece Kellie Worden.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; parents Harold and Charlotte Pilgrim; brother Neil Pilgrim; and grandson Garrett Hjerleid.

The family requests that memorials be given to WMC Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101.