Donald Achen

Donald J. Achen, 74, of Bellevue, died Sunday, April 19, 2009 at his home. Public Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Kingery~Lemke Funeral Home. A private family service will be held on Thursday. Don was born on October 14, 1934 in Bellevue, son of Arthur and Irma (Hankemaier) Achen. He married Vivian A. Phillips on October 8, 1954. Don graduated from Bellevue High School and received degrees from Bradley and Wayne State Universities. He owned and operated Achen Chevrolet in Bellevue and was a partner in D&D Chevrolet in Dewitt. He also farmed in the Bellevue Area. Don was a soft spoken generous man who worked hard and loved his family. He served on many boards and organizations in the community. He enjoyed being a participant and recipient of various practical jokes among friends. He was passionate about building scale model engines. He enjoyed displaying his engines at shows throughout the Midwest. He was considered a master builder in this field. He wrote and had articles published in national magazines. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, Vivian Achen, of Bellevue; two sons, Scott Achen, of LeClaire, Iowa, and Nick Achen, of Sylmar, California; three daughters, Jodie (George) Karapanian, of Tujunga, Cathy (John) Novak, of Cedar Rapids, and Lisa (Rod) Konrardy, of Bellevue; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Donna Southard and Phyllis (Robert) Post. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, James Achen in 2006. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kingeryfuneralhome.com.