Caan, Donald J.
Donald J. Caan, age 85, longtime owner of Don Caan's Flowers, currently Caan Floral and Greenhouses, passed away Monday morning, July 28, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Don was born March 16, 1929 in Sheboygan to Harold and Marie (Strigel) Caan. He attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Grade School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1947 where he excelled in basketball. He served his country in the US Navy before beginning Don Caan's Flowers. On August 1, 1954 Don married his high school sweetheart, Donna Van Zanten at St. Luke United Methodist Church and together they operated Don Caan's Flowers until 1978. Don then became a sales rep for the John Henry Co. and they moved to Boulder, CO and later Alburquerque, NM before returning to Sheboygan and purchasing Waldheim Nursery in 1984 which later became the present Caan Floral and Greenhouses.
Don was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, a lifelong member of Sheboygan Elk's Club #299, a member of the Sheboygan Kiwanis Club, and was a Y's Men.
Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, watching sporting events, golfing, and playing cards.
In addition to his loving wife, Donna, Don is survived by three children, Kristine (David) Dirkse, Thomas (Barbara) Caan, and Kathryn (Daniel) Neitzel all of Sheboygan; nine grandchildren, Matthew Parmley, Michael (Anna) Parmley, Jessica Dirkse, Julie Caan, David Caan, Jennifer McDermott, Laura McDermott, Jessica McDermott, and Kyle Neitzel; three great-grandchildren, Alexis Gavin, and Allison and Christopher Parmley; one brother, Robert (JoAnne) Caan of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Bette (Don) Steinbruecker.
A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Rev. Ric Olson, Pastor, will officiate. A time of visitation and support will be held at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in his name for Alzheimer's Research or the Sheboygan YMCA.
Don's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the excellent staff at Azura Memory Care in Manitowoc for their kindness and care of Don the past few weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna, Tom & Barb, and the rest of the Caan family - please know we extend our deepest sympathies.
Connie & Keith Schachel
August 4, 2014
To all the family of Don Caan, our deepest condolences on your loss. From Wendy Roethel And Tracy (Roethel) Webber, both of Indianapolis, IN.
August 2, 2014
It is with deep sadness that we hear on the passing of Don, and our thought and prayers are with Donna, Tom and the family. Don was one of those individual's that always had a smile for all that knew him where ever he was. Sheboygan has lost one good business person and friend.
Lyle & Carol Watson
Sun City Center, FL
August 2, 2014
A more gentle man in his time. Sincere condolences to you and your family Donna
Francine Ehrman
Francine Ehrman
July 31, 2014
Rest in peace grandpa. Your in a better place now. I miss all the days working at Caan's with you. You brought so much happiness and laughter to our family. You will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts.
Matthew Parmley
July 31, 2014
Sending our heartfelt sympathies to the Caan family…our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time of loss.
Betty Grunwald Torres
July 31, 2014
so sorry that I won't be able to get the visitation or funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I sure miss seeing your family work together- it is a special bond that few of us are fortunate enough to realize. God's blessings on your family as you try to adjust to the loss.
Myra Stokdyk Eischen
July 31, 2014
Deepest condolences from the Nagy family, around the corner on Michigan Avenue in the 1960s. Our thoughts are with you.
Barb Nagy
July 30, 2014
Our Prayers are with Don and his family. I knew Don. We used to play ball at Washington School and in the Park across the street from the school.
At North High School, Don was into sports...I was into music. We graduated with the Class of 1947.
I didn't realize that Don was one day older than me. Don March 16...me March 15.
Don was a great guy, and will be missed by many.
We left Sheboygan in 1963, so have lost contact with many of our grade school and high school friends.
Ray & Helen Mullin
July 30, 2014
The Caan Family,
My deepest sympathies, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gratia Werner
July 29, 2014
Donna, Tom and Family, I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Beth Otten
July 29, 2014
Caan family -
I'm so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
Dan Werner
July 29, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time
Kim Canisius-Hemsing
July 29, 2014
Donna and family sorry to see the loss of your husband and father. I was in the floral store many of times. It is a beautiful place. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this hard time.
Dawn justus
July 29, 2014
Donna, Tom, Chris, Kathy and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please accept my sympathy in your loss of Don.
Arlene Ronspies Kiefer
July 29, 2014
May Don rest in peace now. Will miss his humor and old time songs he would sing at family gatherings.
Ralph Lemp
July 28, 2014
To Donna and family: May God keep you in His care and give you strength in this time of sorrow. Don will be missed by many, myself included.
July 28, 2014
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Funeral services provided by:
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center1201 N 8th Street, Sheboygan, WI 53081
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreSponsored