Donald Dean Ambroson, a longtime well-respected Iowa public school administrator, passed away on Aug. 21, 2018, from acute leukemia. He was 86.

Donald Dean Ambroson was born in Mason City, Iowa, on Oct. 27, 1931, the son of Alfred T. and Alma (Huglen) Ambroson. He graduated from Mason City High School with the Class of 1949 and graduated from Mason City Junior College (now NIACC) in 1951. Don continued his education at Luther College in Decorah where he graduated with a B.A. Degree in English, history and journalism in Jan. of 1953.

He was drafted into the United States Army in Feb. of 1953. After basic training at Camp Roberts in California, Don was sent to Hiroshima, Japan, for three months of special training as a stenographer at the former Japanese Naval Academy then operated by the United States Army. Upon graduation, he was sent to Korea for a year where he served as the personal secretary of Commanding General John Cogswell Oakes of the 25th Division Artillery.

As soon as he returned from his 16 months overseas tour, he married Gloria Falk ‘54 of Northwood, Iowa, on Dec. 28, 1954, whom he met while attending Luther College. They were married for 63 years.

Don began his career in education by becoming a teacher of English, history and journalism at Decorah High School in 1955. In 1959, he became the principal at Decorah High School after receiving his Master's Degree in school administration from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Later, he would also receive a Specialist in Education Degree (Ed.S.) in school administration from UNI.

In 1960, at the age of 28, Don became the Superintendent of Schools at the Northwood-Kensett Community School which at that time had an enrollment of 1,000 students. In the following years, he served as an Assistant Professor of Education at St. Olaf College, and Superintendent of Schools at Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock, Clarion and Storm Lake. During his years as superintendent, Don's leadership with local committees twice resulted in the passage of bond issues which created new high schools for both, Northwood-Kensett and Clarion.

While in Storm Lake, he also served two years as President of the Rotary Club from 1971-1973.

In 1974, he became the Chief Administrator of the Arrowhead Area Education Agency in Fort Dodge where he served for 19 years as the supervisor of 250 staff members in a nine county area. While in Fort Dodge, Don was President of the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce in 1981-1982, was President of the Rotary Club, and also served on The Board of Directors at Friendship Haven for 12 years.

Taking early retirement in 1993, Don and Gloria returned to Mason City for a ten year period where he was active in the community and his home church. He worked part-time as the Superintendent of Schools in Lu Verne; served as church council member and president at Trinity Lutheran Church; was a member of the Civil Service Commission for the City of Mason City, and was a volunteer announcer and board member at radio station KCMR. Also, during 1996-1997, Don was the District Governor for Rotary District #5970 which included 52 communities throughout northern Iowa. During Don's 35 years in Rotary, he received three Paul Harris Fellow Awards.

Don and Gloria later moved to Ankeny, where Don continued in the field of education by working 10 years as a part-time Supervisor of Student Teaching for Iowa State University.

Don was always proud to be from Mason City and he attended every reunion of his high school class. He was also proud to be 100% Norwegian-American.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria (Falk) Ambroson ‘54 and three sons, John (Cindy), Tom and David, all of West Des Moines; two granddaughters, Amy (Taylor) Reid, and Laura (Austin) Olson, both of Kansas City; one great-grandson, Logan Reid; and three nieces, Beth, Trena and Kristine. Don was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers, Alfred and Carroll; a nephew and a niece; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A visitation and funeral service were held on Aug. 24 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Memorials may be sent to Christian Radio Station KCMR in Mason City or to Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines where he was a member. Condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.