Camp Courageous is so very grateful to Joan and Ron Wilson of Galesburg, IL for visiting Camp Courageous and personally delivering funds in memory of Ron’s brother and Camp Courageous Camper Paul “PJ” Joseph Wilson of Iowa City, and in memory of their dear friend and colleague Donald Fike. Ron’s roots were in the Solon area. Ron & Joan met at Luther College, in Decorah, IA…home for many Camp staff over the years. Joan was a Special Education teacher and Ron was an accountant, eventually working with Don Fike. Memorials from PJ and Donald will be used to help construct a new camper cabin to be announced on June 1st , 2026, live streamed on Camp Courageous Facebook page…watch for more details!
Camper Paul “PJ” Joseph Wilson, 66, of Iowa City recently passed. PJ was loved by all at Camp Courageous. He graduated from the University of Iowa Hospital School. PJ worked for many years at Pizza Hut – Keokuk Street in Iowa City. He enjoyed going on fishing trips with his brothers, turkey hunting, cheering on the “undefeated” Hawkeyes, Packers, White Sox, was a fan of Stone-Cold, Steve Austin, the Three Stooges, and Laurel and Hardy. PJ loved to celebrate his birthday, laugh, tease, go to Pathways, Adult Day Hab at Reach for Your Potential, and most of all spending time with his family. PJ was a real joy and his passing leaves a void for all that knew him. Camp’s sympathy goes out to PJ’s wonderful family and friends.
Donald E. Fike, 78, of Tonica, IL also recently passed away. Don was a proud graduate of Tonica High School. He furthered his education at LPO/Illinois Valley Community College before receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois in 1969 and his Master’s degree in Administration of Rehabilitation Facilities from DePaul University in 1977. He was a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator in the State of Illinois from 1980 to 2019.
Don was the first Executive Director of Horizon House in Peru, IL in 1969. It was there that his passion for serving others grew. In the late 1970s, he moved to Galesburg, assuming operations of a residential program for 270 individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In 1979, he founded RFMS in Galesburg, providing consultation and administrative services for the more than 170 group homes and numerous senior care facilities that he would build over the next 50 years of his career. In the 1980s, he developed the Liberty Village Campus concept, building over 30 beautiful, state-of-the-art senior care facilities in Illinois, Iowa, Florida, Nevada, and South Carolina. He developed homes and care facilities that were both modern and accessible, yet practical and homelike. Don’s commitment to serving others impacted countless lives. His life’s work has provided a home and services to over 6,000 individuals each day and job opportunities for over 5,500 employees daily. He frequently visited the people living in his homes, continuing conversations, and friendships he had developed over decades. These visits meant a lot to Don and those he visited.
He was humbled by being inducted into the Illinois Valley Community College Hall of Fame in 2010 for his contributions to mankind.
He fulfilled another dream by forming the Donald E. Fike Family Foundation in 2013, which will, for many generations, continue to bless other not-for-profit organizations that support the hard work and values that Don had and always instilled in others. He was invested in the success of not only his projects but also of the profession in which he made his career. His greatest investment was in educating and sharing his knowledge with colleagues to achieve greater outcomes for those he served.
Don was recognized many times throughout his life for professional and personal achievements and was always known as a tireless advocate for those he served.
Don was an amazing friend, colleague, mentor, teacher, and leader to all. He had an infectious energy and was quick to greet you with a smile and handshake. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Camp’s sympathy goes out to Don’s wife Misty (Landergren) Fike, his children, family, colleagues, and friends. The number of lives changed for the better, thanks to Don, is endless. His legacy will live on in the lives he has touched and all those he will continue to impact with his family foundation.