Donald E. Osborn Sr.

Donald (Don) Eugene Osborn, Sr., 86, of Mason City, Illinois, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. He was born on June 25, 1938, to Harold and Violet (Brown) Osborn at home in rural Hartsburg, Illinois, at the "home place," located in Logan County. He married Carolyn Montgomery on April 8, 1962, in Mason City after meeting her while roller skating. She preceded him in death on December 2, 2023. Don is survived by 3 children: 2 sons, Donald (Felicia) Osborn and Gregory (Jo Lynn) Osborn both of Mason City; and a daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Bizarri of Geneseo, Illinois. He had 4 grandchildren: Olivia Osborn, Abigale (Brayden) Leamon, Phillip Osborn, and Taylor Bizarri, and one great-granddaughter Stella Leamon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Osborn, his parents, Harold and Violet Osborn, grandparents, Harry and Lydia Osborn and Leo and Lena Brown, 2 brothers, Harold “Sonny” Osborn, II, David Osborn, and a sister Gloria Manes. Don was a 1957 graduate of Hartsburg High School. He grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and kindness. During his childhood he was a 4-H member and showed Herford cattle at the Logan County Fair. In 1962, Don and Carolyn built a house in Rural Mason City on a multigenerational farm. The most important things for Don were loving and providing for his family and sharing his love and pride for the Osborn family farm. Through his hard work, honesty, and sacrifice, he instilled in his family the belief that any dream could be achieved. He was active duty from 1961-1967 as a Marksman with the Army National Guard. He worked at Corn Products in Pekin, Illinois, and Mason County Highway Department. Don was a leader of the Pleasant Workers 4-H club in the 1980’s. He enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with projects at the Mason County Fair for almost 50 years. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who found joy in the simple things such as watching car and horse races, making pancakes, taking care of his animals and in his early years driving his 1958 Chevy. He loved puzzles, country music, whistling pretty melodies, solving Rubik's cubes, telling the best stories, and talking with old and new friends and family in Lincoln. He especially enjoyed eating Carolyn’s home-cooked meals. He liked talking about the family tree, playing the same lotto ticket numbers for years, watching basketball games and discussing gas prices. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who he greeted with his signature question, “How is my girl?” and he also enjoyed spending time working outside with his grandson. His legacy of kindness, humbleness, providing for others, honesty and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 PM at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City, Illinois. A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Mason City United Methodist Church, burial to follow at Richmond Grove Cemetery in New Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mason City United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be left at www.hurleyfh.com Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City oversees the arrangements.

Donald E. Osborn Sr.

June 25, 1938 - April 28, 2025

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