Donald Gongol, 81, of West Des Moines, died Tuesday evening of mesothelioma. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturday at McLaren's Chapel followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Don was born August 12, 1929, to Harold and Diana (Peltier) Gongol, and graduated in 1947 from Proviso Township High School in Maywood, Illinois. He married Norma, his high school sweetheart, later that year. Don attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and worked for the Chicago Pump Company for 30 years, which he left to establish a sales firm with his son, Verne, in 1978. He retired soon after moving to Iowa in 1993.

Don enjoyed square dancing, golf, and travel, and will be remembered for his charm and his fondness for storytelling. He adored his pet dogs, most recently his beloved Boji.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick Gongol. He is survived by his wife, Norma; his son, Verne (Mary) Gongol of West Des Moines; and his siblings, Ken (Ann) Gongol and Carol (Clarie) Dworak both of Chicago. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brian, of West Des Moines; Mark (Stacy), of Rapid City, South Dakota; Bill, of West Des Moines; and Bridget, of Atlanta.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute.