Donavon B. "Don" Cataldo

Donavon B. "Don" Cataldo, 83, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 in Eugene.

A memorial service will be held this summer at Cataldo Funeral Chapel in Garner and will be announced at a later date. Inurnment will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Donavon Bruce Cataldo, the son of Samuel and Berneace (Peterson) Cataldo, was born in Hampton on February 2, 1943. He grew up on a farm north of Garner and was confirmed at the United Presbyterian Church. Don graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1961, demonstrating notable talent in both mathematics and athletics, particularly as a running back in football and a sprinter in track. He continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in Mason City and Iowa State University in Ames, where he continued to play football. After earning his degree, Don embarked on a career in education, initially teaching high school mathematics in Webster City. His career journey also led him to the Chicago Board of Trade, where he worked with his uncle, Ray Peterson, for several years. Don's passion for teaching brought him back to the classroom, where he shared his expertise in mathematics teaching in Puerto Rico and across various schools in Iowa, including West Branch and Greene. His journey eventually took him to Oregon, where he continued to inspire students at Churchill High School in Eugene and later at Lane Community College. Don met the love of his life, Inga Vlasenko from Ukraine through their shared interests in mathematics and computers. They were married in Eugene on June 15, 2002. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home, both dedicated to their profession as mathematics teachers. Don was known for his kindness and gentle spirit, and he remained steadfast in his Christian faith throughout his life. He and Inga exemplified a remarkable partnership, supporting and uplifting each other in their endeavors. His legacy will be cherished by all who knew him and those whose lives he touched through his teaching.

Don is survived by his wife, Inga of Eugene, OR; his step-daughter, Vlada (Andriy) Gonchrenko and their daughter, Emilia, of Chicago; his brother, Dean (Beverly) Cataldo of Garner; three sisters, Kathy Elling of Eugene, Karen (Gerald) Pedersen of Ankeny and Barbara (Roger) Gatchel of Lakeville, MN; twelve nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews; and his aunt, Gladys Peterson of Kenosha, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Berneace; infant brother, Larry; maternal grandparents, Charlie and Ida Peterson; brother-in law, Wally Elling; and his mother’s siblings, Marcella, Margaret, Calvin, Ray and Clifton.