Mr. Donald James Ehreth

In Loving Memory of Donald James Ehreth
April 1, 1939 – September 3, 2025
Donald James Ehreth, 86, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, in Reston, Virginia.
Born in Bismarck-Mandan, North Dakota, Don was the son of John V. and Regina (Heintz)
Ehreth and the brother of Eileen Johnson (husband Dennis). He grew up in Bismarck, where he
met the love of his life, Marilyn Ann. They married young and shared a devoted marriage until
her passing in 2008.
Don earned his Chemical Engineering degree from the University of North Dakota in 1961,
where he was honored with the Hall of Fame award, and later received a Master's Degree in
Engineering Administration from George Washington University. His professional career began
at Hercules Chemical in Utah. He then moved his family east to Virginia to work at Atlantic
Research. His career blossomed at the Environmental Protection Agency, where he rose to the
highest rank possible without political appointment. Over his decades at EPA, he became a
recognized subject matter expert, traveled to more than 30 countries, and frequently presented at
national and international conferences. Don later worked in private industry with Versar Inc. and
Horne Engineering before enjoying a successful career as a consultant. His professional life
spanned over 50 years in engineering, scientific research, and construction technology.
In Virginia, Don was an active member of his church and community. He joined the Warrenton
Chorale and got great joy from singing at weddings for friends and family. He served as
Secretary of Lions Club International, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth
Degree), and parishioner of St. John's Catholic Church. His generosity and leadership touched
many lives and he was honored with Fairfax County's Volunteer of the Year Award for his
service to incarcerated individuals. He also served two terms as President of the Germans from
Russia Historical Genealogy Society (GRHS). He established a resident council at his assisted
living facility, enabling residents in both assisted and independent living units to participate in
decision-making.
Family was Don's greatest joy. He is survived by his five children: Jean Marie Ehreth, Dr.
Jeffrey Thomas Ehreth (Carol), Dr. John Steven Ehreth (Eileen), Joanne Ehreth Burke (Tom),
and Jennifer Ehreth Harris (Robert). He adored his nine grandchildren-Priscilla Ehreth Gooding
(Hugh), Carol Ehreth Beuerle (Spencer), Dr. Emma Ehreth (fiancé Cabell), Dr. Hannah Ehreth
Board (Michael), Caleb John Ehreth (Sarah), Noah James Ehreth, Jacob Steven Ehreth (Emma),
Emily Ann Burke (fiancé Joseph), and Olivia Elise Burke-and was overjoyed to welcome two
great-grandchildren, Joseph Troy Board and Reid Buckley Gooding.
Don will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud "Pop" (grandfather) and
great-grandfather, faithful friend, and generous servant of his community. His legacy of love,
wisdom, and service will live on in the lives he touched.