Donald Kasubke

1941 - 2025

Donald Kasubke

October 28, 1941 - May 22, 2025

Staunton, Illinois - Donald Kasubke, 83, of Staunton, IL, passed away at 8:00 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Cottages of Lake St. Louis in Lake St. Louis, MO. He was born October 28, 1941 in Litchfield, IL, the son of the late William & Hildegarde (Lewerenz) Kasubke. He married Marie Tjaden on March 16, 1963 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL. They were happily married for 61 years. She passed away on October 9, 2024.

Don attended Zion Lutheran School & graduated in 1959 from Staunton High School. Don was a standout basketball player in high school, scoring over 1000 points in his career (2nd in school history). He still holds the SHS single game scoring record with 45 points. He later played basketball at SIU-Carbondale. In 1963 he graduated from SIU-C with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education; then completed his Master of Science Degree in 1971.

Don was employed as an Industrial Arts teacher at Cahokia Wirth Junior High School from 1963-1999. Along with teaching, he coached school softball & baseball teams for many years. He was the head coach for the 1980 & 1982 IESA State Softball Tournament Champions.

In the mid-1970's, Don & Marie were one of five husband & wife EMT teams that started the Staunton Area Ambulance Service. He coached multiple Staunton youth baseball & softball teams when his children were playing. He was an active member of the Staunton Volunteer Fire Department for over 53 years. From 2004-2023 he was a member of the Staunton Community Hospital Board of Trustees, the last 17 as Board Chairman. He also served on the Anderson Hospital Board after they acquired Staunton Hospital. He was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, serving several terms as Elder & on various committees. He & Marie enjoyed following the St. Louis Cardinals & were season ticket holders for 25 years. They also enjoyed traveling, especially to attend their grandchildren's events. Don was named Staunton Chamber of Commerce "Citizen of the Year" in 2001.

He is survived by three children - Bruce (Mary Ann) Kasubke of Mexico, MO, Lisa (Ryan) Lackey of Kingwood, TX, & Bret (Michelle) Kasubke of Dardenne Prairie, MO; seven grandchildren - Elizabeth & Sarah Kasubke, Rachel & Lauren Lackey, Katlyn (Jake) Elfers, Ella & Luke Kasubke; & a sister - Karen Pacey of St. Louis, MO.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL. A Memorial Service will follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL, with Pastor Phil Girardin officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL.

The family suggests memorials to the charity of the donor's choice.

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. To order flowers or leave an on-line condolence, please visit our website at www.williamsonfh.com.