Donald John Willerth

We are sad to announce the passing of Donald John Willerth, formerly of Glidden, Wisconsin on Sunday, November 27, 2022 at the age of 95 at his home in Northlake, Illinois.

Don was born November 10, 1927 in Glidden to Otto and Elizabeth (nee Throm) Willerth. After spending his childhood there and graduating from Glidden High School in 1945, he joined his brothers, Warren and Bernard, in the United States Army, where he served as a Military Policeman in post-World War II France and Germany. After his discharge, Don returned to the Glidden area and shortly after followed his brothers to Chicago, Illinois in 1948 where he took a job in manufacturing operations at Blommer Chocolate Company in the West Loop. It was there he met the love of his life, Dorothy Tutwiler. They were married in Glidden on Nov. 18, 1950, just in time for the opening of deer hunting season.

Don and Dorothy settled in Northlake, Illinois where they would raise ten children. The Northlake house was initially a four-bedroom Cape Cod until Don, the extraordinary handyman, transformed it into a comfortable seven bedroom home for "The 12 D's". More than 70 years later it is still the family home today.

After 28 years of dedicated service at Blommer, Don took a job closer to home in 1975, joining International Harvester in Melrose Park as a Stationary Engineer. Over the next 18 years, he would follow his career at Navistar International, Good Samaritan Hospital and JI Case, from which he ultimately retired in 1992.

Upon retirement, Don and Dorothy were finally able to pursue their dream of spending quality time with family and friends, traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, and other foreign destinations. Loyal to his roots, Don had a special love for the Wisconsin lakes and outdoor adventures. He treasured hosting hometown relatives at his lake house in central Wisconsin where they would enjoy boat rides, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing cards until the wee hours. His favorite pastime was reminiscing about his own childhood days, comparing them to his own children's lives and telling unforgettable stories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even at 95 years old, Don never missed a detail and always got the facts right.

Don was the last of the living World War II era veterans of the Glidden American Legion post and left a legacy of duty to our country.

November, 2022 was a memorable month for Don and his family. He celebrated his 95th birthday on November 10th, attended the wedding of his grandson, Don Dopka on November 12th, celebrated his own 72nd wedding anniversary on November 18th, and enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast and day of gratitude on November 24th.

Donald is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 72 years, Dorothy (nee Tutwiler), his children, Dennis (Nancy), Daniel (Susan), Dean (Diane), Donna (Robin) Reem, Debra (Daniel) Naylor, Dianne (Gregory) Dopka, Doris (the late Paul) Lovern, Dolores (Alan) Boutin, and Dawn (John) Gatesman, his 24 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son David, brothers Warren and Bernard, and sister Beatrice (Schoch).

A memorial service and celebration of Donald's life will be held on Saturday, June 17th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 W Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL 60067. Visitation/Fellowship at 9:30am. Mass/Celebration of Life at 10:30am. The ceremony will be live streamed. Contact a family member for streaming access information. In lieu of flowers or gifts memorial contributions can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate).