Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1929

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Einan's Funeral Home, Inc.

915 Bypass Highway

Richland, Washington

Donald Semmern Obituary

Donald Semmern
October 18, 1929 - April 15, 2021
Richland , Washington - There is a joyous reunion in Heaven and it started April 15, 2021, when Don was called to be with The Lord. Waiting for him was his amazing wife of 55 years, Marie - his Mom and Dad, Henry and Elsa Semmern - his sister, Carol Hamilton - her husband Jack - his brother, Hank - his sons, Rocky and Steve - and his loving granddaughter, Samantha.
Don is survived by his loving daughter, Cindy VanWyck - her husband Jim - loving granddaughter, Julee VanWyck Merrill - her husband Jayson - great granddaughters, Jaylee Merrill and Jensen Merrill - granddaughter Amy Schroeder - great grandsons Laiten Schroeder, Landen Schroeder and Luke Schroeder - granddaughter Crissa Fastabend - great grandsons Hunter Cazier and Cole Cazier.
Don was born in Tacoma, Washington. He and his brother, Hank, were standout pitchers at Stadium High School and at the College of Puget Sound (now University of Puget Sound).
He and Marie moved to Richland in 1952 after Cindy was born. He worked for several companies as a systems analyst until he retired in 1992.
Don was a champion golfer. He was a member of West Richland Golf Club and, later, Meadow Springs Country Club. He won numerous tournaments locally and across the Northwest.
He was also an excellent softball player. Perhaps his greatest passion (after his Family and his Faith) was refereeing basketball. He worked all over the State of Washington calling games for high schools and small colleges including State High School Championships at Edmundson Pavillion in Seattle. He had to be careful since Richland would often be in the tournament and Don, along with his buddy and refereeing partner, Orv Marcum, never wanted it to be said they were biased.
Don, Marie, and the entire Semmern family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church starting in 1952.Their faith in God was undeniable. We all rejoice, knowing that they are together again, wrapped in the arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cindy and her family wish to thank the staff and caregivers at Prestige Assisted Living in Richland for the loving care they provided to Don. Thank you to Pastor Todd Schroeder for his love, his friendship and his spiritual guidance. Thank you to Sarah Smith and the staff at Einan's Chapel. Deep thanks to Dick and Megan Cartmell for being such great friends and Guardian Angels to Don.
The joyful reunion started last Thursday. It will continue forever.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by & from Apr. 20 to Apr. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Semmern

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Mick Ewart

April 20, 2021

As a coach and athletic director in Connell I had the utmost respect for Don. He was the perfect person to deal with adolescents in a competitive contest. I also met him later at Meadow Springs and always enjoyed our talks. He had a positive affect on so many that knew him.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Semmern's name

Memorial Events
for Donald Semmern

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Einan's Funeral Home, Inc.

915 Bypass Highway P.O. Box 90, Richland, WA 99352

How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Semmern's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more