Donald Joseph Sack

Donald Joseph Sack, 73, of St. Marys, Kansas, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 22, 1950, he devoted 54 years to his wife, Marlene, with whom he built a close-knit family.

Don was an extraordinary man — kind, generous, and gentle. He was a Jack of All Trades, always ready with advice on electrical wiring, lending tools, and solving countless problems. He had a knack for being right in every debated memory and fact-check, and though he never gloated, his contented grin spoke volumes. A calming presence in the family, he was the go-to person for long phone conversations and for savoring a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, made exactly to your liking.

Don was always just a phone call away – the undisputed king of homework for generations. Whether it was assisting with moves to new cities or taking on the role of Santa Patrol each Christmas Eve with his trusty Santa Tracker, he was a comforting, reliable presence.

Don was a man who always put others first. With 41 years at BNSF Railway as a carman and union officer, he dedicated himself to providing for his family above all else. He was also a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. A passionate fan of K-State football and the Chiefs, he never missed watching a game.

He loved camping and being in nature, bringing his family along and taking care of every detail. His love of the outdoors started from family trips to Colorado with his mom, dad, and siblings.

The day after his passing, his son went for a hike and saw a bald eagle, a symbol often associated with strength and resilience. This sighting served as a reminder of Don’s enduring spirit and the legacy of strength he left behind. The eagle, representing the journey from the physical world to the spiritual afterlife, symbolizes both divine protection and spiritual guidance.

Don was a lifelong learner with all the answers and a sponge for information, often described as “the smartest man I’ve ever known.” Whether discussing westerns, sci-fi, or solving problems, he was a gentle jokester, always soft-spoken and loving. He was the balance of our family—forever handsome and classy, the last of the classic men.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene (Denton) Sack, and their three children: Jennifer (Mick) Perry, Eric (Tonya) Sack, and Brenton Sack. He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren, including Heather Perry, Allison (Garrett) Perry, Madison Perry, Caleb Perry, Alexandria Sack, Briana (Cameron) Sack, Colton (Shantell) Sack, Seth Sack, Jerry Sack, and KayLynn Sack. Additionally, Donald was a great-grandfather to six beloved great-grandchildren: Elena, Dane, Ember, Elijah, Hayes, and Amias, with another great-granddaughter expected in December 2024.

He is also survived by his sisters, Marcie Cook and Jane (Randy) Kincaid, as well as his brothers, Jim (Beverly) Sack and Paul (Becky) Sack, his brother-in-law, Marvin Clark, aunt, JoAnn Miller, as well as several nieces & nephews, along with their families.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Lorain Sack, and a sister, Jean Clark.

A memorial funeral mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 12th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys. A rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on the morning of the service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Heart of America Chapter, 2405 Grand Blvd Ste 520 Kansas City, MO 64108-2536 or online HERE.