Donald George Motel

1933 - 2026

Donald George Motel, 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, fell asleep in the Lord on March 27, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in 1933 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of George M. Motel and Mary Motel (nee Bodenchak). He attended the University of Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and pursued a career in the insurance industry, first as an Agent and later as proprietor of his own pension planning and administration company, DGM Associates. Don married LuAnn Mihalko and the couple had four children during their marriage which lasted 57 years.  LuAnn fell asleep in the Lord in 2013. 

Don is survived by his four children, Marta (Kevin Grewell), Peter (Bonnie), Stephen (Alex Kaplan) and Andrew (Natanya Sortland); his grandchildren Zachary, Daniel, Amanda, Emma, and Nathan, and his great granddaughter Bryn and many wonderful nephews and nieces. Don was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary, his sister Tatiana, and brother Greg. 

Together with LuAnn, Don was instrumental in founding the Orthodox parish and church of St. Herman of Alaska, and for a time also attended Holy Ascension Orthodox Church. Don was deeply devoted to his church first, and to his family first. This is no typographical error – to Don family and faith were one and the same. Both Don and LuAnn spent a great deal of time with their children and grandchildren on many family outings including vacations in Ocean City Maryland over the years. Don and LuAnn were living examples of love and of the many virtues of the Orthodox faith. Although this writing concerns Don primarily, the story of his life rightfully includes mention of his wife LuAnn as the two were inseparable. Together they loved and  were loved within the context of their beautiful family. Although the family grieves at their profound loss, they also look back on many happy times and celebrate Don’s outstanding life. They are happy in the thought that Don is now reunited with LuAnn in a place of peace, a place of repose, a place where there is no sickness and suffering, a place where God will wipe away every tear, a place where they will dwell forever in light unapproachable. 

Visitation will be held at 4:30PM Thursday, April 2, 2026 at St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, 1855 Middletown Road, Glen Mills PA, 19342. A memorial service will follow at 6:30PM with a light meal afterwards. Funeral service will be held at 10:00AM Friday, April 3, 2026 at St. Herman of Alaska. Burial will be private.

www.maugergivnish.com