He was born on March 1, 1925, in Victor, Iowa to William and Winona Nace Refer. He was raised in Victor and graduated with the Class of 1942 from Victor High School. Following his education he served with the United States Navy on the USS Price in the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. Following the war, he returned to Victor and worked for the McAnnich Furniture Store and the McAnnich Funeral Home. In 1951, he began a 39 year career with Amana Refrigeration, serving as a method engineer. After his retirement he assisted the Smith Funeral Home in Victor. He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church of Victor and the church choir, the American Legion, the Victor Fire Department, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of the HLV Booster Club, the Amana Employees Retirement Group and a past director of the Cooperative Telephone Company of Victor. Survivors include his wife, Rosie Refer of Victor; and his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Joyce Refer of Victor; two grandchildren, Sara and Eric Refer, both of Victor; his two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Refer of Victor and Ruth Wright of Urbandale; and two brothers-in-law, Jim DeDecker of Orion, Illinois and Jerry DeDecker of West Des Moines, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Everett. A scripture service will be held 7:00 p.m., Friday, at the Smith Funeral Home in Victor. Memorials may be directed to the Donald Refer Memorial Fund and sent in care of Rosie Refer, 602 Franklin Street, Victor, Iowa, 52347.