Donald N. "Don" Gideon

GIDEON Donald "Don" N. Gideon, age 90, Friday, February 11, 2011, at Friendship Village of Columbus. Born April 26, 1920 in Fairmont, Minnesota, he grew up on a dairy farm near Northfield, Minnesota. He attended both public and parochial schools graduating from School District 94 in 1933 and Northfield High School in 1937. He attended St. Olaf College from 1937 to 1941, graduating cum laude with majors in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. From September, 1941 until March, 1944 he taught in the Department of Physics while registered in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University. When the Army Specialized Training Program ended in March, 1944, he was employed at Battelle Memorial Institute where his duties were concerned chiefly with physical research for the Manhattan Project. From June, 1946 until June, 1947 he again served as teaching assistant in physics at OSU. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Physics by The Ohio State University in 1948. He was Instructor of Physics at the University of Notre Dame 1947-1949 and Assistant Professor of Physics at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska 1949-1953. In 1953, he returned to Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus advancing to Senior Research Physicist until his retirement in 1985. He was a Member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. In recent years Don enjoyed reading, classical music, visiting, and was always especially devoted to his family and children. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years Mary L. (Maloney) Gideon, parents Nason E. and Mary T. (Mulligan) Gideon, sisters Margaret M. Devney and Ann M. Gideon, sisters-in-law Alice C. Schirtzinger, Helen J. Maloney, Sr. Patricia Maloney, R.G.S., Catherine A. Maloney, brothers-in-law Patrick L. Maloney, Rev. Francis M. Maloney, S. M., Robert W. Maloney, David D. Schirtzinger. He is survived by sons, Paul T. (Billie Shire), Rev. Peter M., John J., Mark R., and Daniel J.; daughters, Judith K., Carol G. (Daniel) Bunn, and Barbara J. (Steven) LaValle; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Gerald W. Gideon; sisters-in-law, Vivian M. Gideon, Rita M. Versace, Margaret E. Maloney; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Devney, John Versace; many nieces; nephews; cousins; and dear friends. Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 p.m. at the NOVAK FUNERAL HOME, 4476 N. High St. (2 blocks north of Henderson Rd.) 268-8811. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 20 E. Dominion Blvd., Fr. Peter M. Gideon, celebrant, Msgr. Kenneth F. Grimes concelebrant. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Don's memory to: Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 20 E. Dominion Blvd., Columbus, Ohio 43214-2796. On line condolences to: www.novakfuneralhome.com