Donavon Douglas Vietzke Obituary (1924

Donavon Douglas Vietzke passed away Saturday, Jan. 12 2013, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Ellensburg. Donavon was born in Springdale, Wa. on May 25, 1924 to Harold and Ethel (Costich) Vietzke. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in the class of 1943. After high school he joined the Army Air Corp and served two years. After the war ended he returned to Kittitas County and drove a school bus and farmed. He later drove truck for Schaake Packing Company. In 1973 Don married the love of his life, Delores. Together they bought and managed numerous rental homes. He went into business with friends and started Ell-Trans trucking company, from which he retired in 1990. Don spent time working on rental homes and traveled to many different countries. He was a member of the Grace Chapter of the Masonic lodge and was on the board of directors for Hospice Friends. Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, dancing and entertaining. He was very quick witted and you could always count on him to dish out one of his famous phrases which everyone who was blessed enough to know him, will cherish forever. He is lovingly survived by his wife Delores Vietzke, a sister Peggy Hull, his children: Susan (Dave) Baxter, Patti (Bill) Everett, RenaeEnger, Lori LaFleur, Bruce Enger, Keith Enger, Linda Vietzke, and a daughter-in-law Claudia Vietzke. Grandchildren: Jeff, Jodi, Chris, Colby, Erica, Amy, Brad, Krystal and Devin as well as eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son Thomas Vietzke. The family would like to give special thanks to Shannon McDaniels and Kera Turner for assisting Delores and the children in the care of Don through his battle with Parkinson's disease. Despite the fact that he was fighting a battle, Don remained brave and stoic, always wanting to put the needs of others before his own. With everyone's continuous care, Don was fortunate enough to stay home until the end. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, 1:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, followed by a reception and sharing time at the Quality Inn Columbia room. The family would like to emphasize that everybody is welcome to come and share a favorite story and celebrate such an amazing man and his wonderful life. Memorials may be made to Hospice Friends in care of Brookside Funeral Home 101 E 2nd Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926. SERVICES Funeral service Saturday, January 19, 2013 1:00 PM First Lutheran Church 512 N Ruby St Ellensburg, WA 98926