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Donald Lewis Broholm
1933 - 2019
Donald Lewis Broholm
1933 - 2019
Obituary
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Donald Broholm Obituary
After finishing college Donald enlisted in the US Air Force. Part of his enlistment found him stationed at Orly Air Field and living in Paris, France.
Donald's professional life was marked by a commitment to service in the field of education. A graduate of Chicago Teachers College, he taught at Harvard Elementary and Jane Addams Elementary before serving in administration as Assistant Principal and Acting Principal at Jane Addams and Jones College Prep. He also served as a union representative and delegate in the Chicago Teachers Union. He was a lifelong learner and educator to his core - he read extensively on wide-ranging topics and loved engaging in discussions and debates with friends and family.
"Papa Don" or "Uncle Don," as he was known by his family, was the life of the party. Don and Jean hosted many gatherings for family and friends in Naples, Florida and at Paw Paw Lake, Michigan, where he could usually be found sipping a giant glass of local white wine and playing New Orleans jazz music. His grandchildren fondly remember boisterous discussions lasting until the wee hours of the morning around the kitchen island in Michigan - and Papa Don always made sure the night owls had plenty of crunchy and sweet snacks to keep the conversation going.
A visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Franciscan Village, 1270 Village Dr. Lemont, Illinois, followed by a memorial mass in Donald's honor at 11:30 a.m.
Friends and family will always remember Don for his intelligence, wit, and zest for life. He was one of a kind, and we are grateful for the time we shared with him.
Memorials in Don’s name can be made to:
Joliet Area Community Hospice
Development Office
250 Water Stone Circle
Joliet, IL 60431
http://www.joliethospice.org
St Jude Children’s
Research Hospital
https://www.stjude.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Chris Guillen
December 9, 2019
I was a student of Mr Broholm's 1983 8th grade class. We recently found a class photo and many us are still connected & friends. We had a special class. Mr. Broholm was a big reason for that. He was a great teacher and leader of our south East Side grade school. I decided just this morning to look him up on the internet and am sad to read of his passing. His wife, children and grandchildren should know that his ripple effect will live on forever in our community. I'm not a teacher by profession, but have coached many of my boys' sports teams, and often credit my "teaching style" to Mr Broholm's. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Pat and Tom Fitzsimons
October 31, 2019
In loving memory of our dear friend and my coworker for 26 years at Jane Addams School. I am so sorry to hear of Don's death. He will always be remembered as a fantastic teacher and a true friend who was a delight to know, full of kindness and warmth. Tom and I will always keep you in our hearts and memories, Jean, Bob, and Burke and all of your wonderful family. Our love and prayers...
Mary Kressin
October 15, 2019
Our prayers to the whole Broholm Family. We hope happy memories of your Dad, Grandfather comfort you all.
Joyce Kappel
October 9, 2019
What a wonderful, kind man that will truly be missed. We loved Mr. Broholm. Our condolences to Mrs. Broholm and the entire family.
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Bill Mcgue
October 9, 2019
My wife Etta and I will truly miss Don . We were blessed to have him as a beloved friend and neighbor Our condolences to Jean and your wonderful family
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9236 S. Roberts Rd., Hickory Hills, IL 60457
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