Donald H "Don" Koontz

DONALD H. "DON" KOONTZ
06.27.1933 ~ 08.11.2024

Donald Howard "Don" Koontz, of Evanston, IL, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at the honorable age of 91 years. Don was born on June 27, 1933, in Chicago, IL, and was the only child of Howard and Genevieve (Brennan) Koontz. Don's father served in World War II and gave his life in the Battle of the Bulge when Don was only twelve years old.

Don grew up in Chicago and his life was molded by a strong loving mother, extended family, and many friends. He married Constance "Connie" Savino in 1953 and moved to Des Plaines, IL. With this marriage he acquired a large Italian family with many holiday dinners of 40 plus people. The holidays always included homemade pasta, fresh fish and lively conversation. Don and Connie raised four children: Howard, Darlene, Thomas, and Mark. They ended their marriage in 1988.

Proudly serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Don was stationed in Germany. His new family at that time (Connie and Howard) was able to join him during his tour. He had fond memories of living with a German family and exploring Europe in an old Studebaker during his military leaves.

After his military service, Don attended the University of Illinois at Navy Pier while working two jobs to support his growing family. He began his professional life in marketing by founding the firm of Weinstein & Koontz, which later became DonKo Marketing. He is remembered by his clients for both his expertise and his commitment to their success.

Don loved of the water and delighted in sharing this love with his family and friends. He spent many weekends and vacations in Lake Geneva, WI, and eventually moved there. He enthusiastically enjoyed boating, skiing, swimming, and ice-diving. He later taught his children to scuba dive and to sail. One of Don's fondest memories was the sailing trip he took in 1998 with his children from Guadeloupe through the Windward Islands.

In addition, he loved to travel – from the Wisconsin Dells to Hawaii and Alaska – and, most importantly, to all the places his children lived. Beyond the U.S., he traveled in Canada, Mexico, and Europe by both land and sea.

His activities were not only on the water – Don also relished tennis, biking, and golf. He even shot a "hole in one!"

Don married Marjorie S. "Mar Sue" Durrbeck in 2002. They celebrated their marriage by hosting their blended family on a Caribbean Cruise so everyone could get to know each other. This marriage brought Don to Evanston, IL, where he lived only a block from his beloved Lake Michigan. For several years, he kept his small sailboat at Dempster Street Beach, so it was ready when the wind was right. It was Don's joy to walk his dogs, Cosmo, and then Buffy, along the lakefront. He was active with North Shore Village Network and his Condo Association during his years in Evanston. An after-dinner walk for ice cream was often on the menu when children and grandchildren visited.

In 2020, Don was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He moved into Artis Senior Living in Wilmette, IL, in October 2023, where he received loving care and easily made many new friends. He will always be remembered for his ability to convert a stranger to a friend wherever he went, along with his bright blue eyes and his wonderful quick smile. His love of a "See-Thru" cocktail, a good conversation, and a laugh will also be an enduring, happy memory.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, Howard Koontz. He is survived by his wife, Mar Sue Durrbeck; his children, Darlene (Chip Davis) Koontz of Durango, CO; Thomas (Yvonne Kupeck) Koontz of Crystal Lake, IL; Mark (Sheli Fulcher) Koontz of Star, ID; four grandchildren -- Michael, Scott, Paul, and Aiden, and five great-grandchildren -- Alex, Samantha, Avery, Landon, and Genesis.

Don is also loved as "Dad" by Mar Sue's children: Robert (Connie Brady) Durrbeck of Tinley Park, IL, and Jeffrey (Julie Braun) Durrbeck of Broomfield, CO; and is "Grandpa Don" to Mar Sue's grandchildren: Audrey, Olin, Brody, and Cheyenne.

A Celebration of Don's life by his family and friends took place on October 27, 2024, at Lakeview Center, Gillson Park, Wilmette, IL.

If you wish to make a charitable donation in Don's memory, he would have wanted you to choose the cause closest to your heart.

The words Don lived by:

When the door of opportunity opens, you must walk through it.