Donald James Keuter

Donald James Keuter passed away on November 21, 2025, in Tacoma, WA. He had been a resident of Browns Point since 1974. In 2018, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and since September of 2025, he has lived in an Adult Family Home. Don was born on March 9, 1937, to Joe and Lovena Frost Keuter. He grew up in Emmett, ID, with his younger brother Jerry. Early in his life, he discovered fishing, which he enjoyed his entire life, starting with the Payette River, which was near his home. Another favorite fishing spot was the Gorge in the Klickitat River, and later the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

Don graduated from Emmett High School in 1955 and then spent almost 2 years in the Navy. He ended his service in Adak, Alaska, where fishing was his pastime. He received an A.A. degree from Boise Junior College and completed his degree in Forestry Business Management at the University of Idaho. After his graduation in 1963, Don was hired by J. Neils Lumber Company in Libby, MT. After a short time, he transferred to their operations in Klickitat, WA, and became the Assistant Sales Manager. He worked in Klickitat for three years. On November 21, 1964, he married Dorothy Wessels, who was a teacher at Klickitat High School.

In 1966, Don was transferred to Westwood, NJ, and was the Assistant Sales Manager of the lumber, door, and plywood division. After three years, he returned to Klickitat to once again work in lumber production as the lumber products manager. In 1974, he accepted a transfer to Tacoma with St. Regis. During the next 27 years, he continued to manage production plants. Simpson Timber purchased the operations in 1986, and Don retired in 2001 as manager of lumber manufacturing in Tacoma.

In 1997, Don received the Western Wood Products Association Lumberman Award. To qualify, he had to have extensive experience in management, lumber manufacturing, and be a certified lumber grader for 20 years. Only a select group of lumber industry professionals has received this honor.

On the first anniversary of their marriage, Don gave Dorothy a single long-stemmed red rose. Each year he added another rose to the arrangement. This year was a 61-rose anniversary, and Don passed away on their anniversary date, November 21.

Don is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his daughter Donette (Kevan) Brooks; his son Dave Keuter; grandchildren Clayton Brooks, Stephane Brooks, Daelie Keuter, and Griffen Keuter; and brother Jerry (Billie) Keuter of Nampa, ID. His son Don passed away in 2011.

A private inurnment service will be held at Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way.