Donald H. McCarthy

Donald H. McCarthy of Fort Collins, CO passed away at the age of 100 on March 13, 2025. Don is survived by his two daughters, Judith (Gary) Holtzen of Muskego, WI, Barbara (John Moren) McCarthy of Fort Collins, six grandsons, twelve great-grandchildren, and five nieces and nephews. His dear wife of 76 years, Arlene, preceded him in death in January 2025. Don was a quiet, unwavering man, and devoted to God, his family, and friends. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.
Don was born May 9, 1924 to Frank and Martha McCarthy in Milwaukee, WI. As the sixth of seven children, Don grew up surrounded by family in Milwaukee, went to both public and parochial schools through high school. In 1942, he graduated from Boys Technical High School at age 18 with a diploma and a Mechanical Drafting trade. Shortly after graduation, Don joined the Army as an Aviation Cadet, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and served in the military in WWII as a navigator in the 8th Air Force in Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, French Normandy Medal, and had 4 Battle Stars on his theatre ribbon (ETO). Don was put on inactive status in 1945 as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps Reserve. After WWII, Don worked for Globe-Union, Inc. in Milwaukee and Wisconsin Drill Head Co. in Butler, WI as a draftsman-designer of machine tools, then as a tool buyer, and finally as a Technical Purchasing Agent in the tooling industry. Don earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science during his working years. After retiring in 1989, Don and Arlene moved to Sun Lakes, AZ where he enjoyed golfing with friends. He and Arlene moved to Fort Collins, CO to be near family in 2017.
A memorial service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Monday, March 24 at 1:30 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 7755 Greenstone Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80525. After the service, Military Honors, and inurnment, there will be light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. If you are unable to attend the service, we invite you to watch it by going to Redeemer's website at redeemerconnect.com and clicking on the "Watch Live" button.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church in memory of Don McCarthy.