Donald G. Bauerschmidt

Donald G. Bauerschmidt

Donald G. Bauerschmidt, age 90, of Maumee, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 29, 2024, surrounded by his family. Don was born in the family home on West Harrison Street, in Maumee, on December 29, 1933, to Joseph N. and Frances E. (Nachtrab) Bauerschmidt.

A 1952 graduate of Maumee High School, Don attended the University of Toledo for two years, pre-med. At the age of 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and completed training at both Sampson Air Force Base, Seneca County, New York, and at the Naval Station Great Lakes, Chicago, Illinois. After basic training, Don left on the USS Darby for Wiltshire, England, where he remained for three years as a medic at the 7505th USAF Field Hospital at Burderop Park.

While stationed in England, Don met the love of his life, Daphne M. Bennett, and on July 5, 1958, they married at Holy Rood Catholic Church, in Swindon, Wiltshire. Upon returning to the USA, he worked part-time night stock at Kroger while attending the University of Toledo. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration, and was employed by the H.J. Heinz Company for 30 years, and the Pfeister Company for an additional seven years.

Don was a former member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Toledo, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, CYO youth group leader, and on the Feed Your Neighbor team. Once he returned to his roots in Maumee, Don became an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he humbly served with the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and again as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a 2008 recipient of the Maumee Hometown Hero Award.

Don enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and fixing up his home and his children's homes. Using his jack-of-all-trades talent, Don spent many retirement years working with his good friend, Jack Hiles, on the restoration of the Wolcott House complex buildings. Two of his most significant contributions include the renovation of the Box Schoolhouse, and the creation of the altar cross built from remnants of wood from the Wolcott docks along the Maumee River.

In addition to his wife, Don is survived by his children, Christopher (Debra), Kim (Bill) Johns, Timothy (Angela), and Daphne; 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Waltman, of Oklahoma; and brother, James, of New Mexico. Don was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Dickey; and brothers, William, Robert, and Joseph.

The family will receive visitors at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 p.m., with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin in the funeral home, with prayers at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 5, 2024, followed by Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 104 West Broadway Street, Maumee, at 10:30 a.m. Military graveside rites and interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maumee Valley Historical Society/Wolcott Heritage Center, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, Maumee.

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