Donald A. LIETZKE

STUARTS DRAFT, VA. - Donald Allen 'Don' Lietzke, 87, residing at Stuarts Draft Christian Home, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009. He was born Oct. 20, 1922, in Syracuse, N.Y., son of the late Henry and Emma Lietzke.
Don graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was subsequently employed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration at Langley Field, Hampton, Va. He was a founding member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Newport News. After 38 years of service with NASA, he moved to Nellysford. In his retirement, he was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and an avid gardener.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Rachel Chapman Lietzke. Additionally, he is survived by his son, Timothy Allen Lietzke of Keysville, Va.; daughter, Donna L. Sexton-Cook of Murrells Inlet, S.C.; and granddaughter, Sarah Chapman Sexton of Murrells Inlet, S.C., in whose life he played an integral role.
Services will be private, with interment in Peninsula Memorial Park in Newport News, Va.
Memorial contributions may be made to WorldVision, P.O. Box 70008, Tacoma, WA 98481-0008; or Central Asia Institute, P.O. Box 7209, Bozeman, MT 59771-7209.
McDow Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com
Don left a legacy of kindness and generosity towards all. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who will be greatly missed. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.