Donald Giertz
Bethalto | Save
Donald E. Giertz went to the with his Lord at JCH Community Hospital on January 31, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Don was born on June 17, 1939 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, IL. He graduate din 1957 from Champaign High School, attended Kentucky Electronics Program, and the enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961, serving from 1961 - 1967. He was an Airman 2nd Class, Airman of the Squadron, and part of the 551st Strategic Air Command - Atlas F Missile.
After discharge, he began his career with Illinois Bell Telephone (Ameritech), where he worked for nearly 30 years. He served as an office manager in Alton, Wood River, Bethalto, and several other towns. During his last 6 years, he served as a manager of a great team that helped to update present landline service from Rockford, Springfield, and a large area in our region. Upon retirement he was recruited for 6 years by Dallas, Texas WorldCom to train others in a new network, retiring in 2001.
Don was a member of Zion Lutheran for 40 years. He served as a Cub Scout Den Dad, Board Member of Boy Scout Troop 126 Godfrey, Board member of BS Troop 101, River-Aire Pool Treasurer, Member of Telephone Pioneers, Alton and Pesotum Illinois American Legions, and All God's Children Have Shoes (currently running in Alton, IL).
Don married Paula K. Wilson on August 4, 1963 at St. John's, she survives. They were blessed with 4 sons: Edmund (Patty), Bryan (Sherry), John (Cami) Donald, Jr. (Kelly); 7 grandchildren: Adran (Ariel), Jacob (Alex), Cameron, Cali, Mackenzie, Josie, and Andrew; 2 great grandchildren: Ella and Violet. Other surviving family includes a sister, Doris Camp from Idaho, Nephew Robert Camp (Kelly), Niece Diane Santos, Great Nephews/Nieces: Michael Hope (Stephanie), Kate Everson (Don), Michelle Santos (Matt), and Matthew Santos. Other family members include Niece Heather Johnson-Dunnings (Jonathan) of Michigan, Great Nephews: Seantay Ford, Zane Dunnings and Payton Dunnings, Nephew Roy Johnson II and wife Holly Johnson, cousins, and many friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents: Edmund F. Giertz and Lillie O. Johnson. He was baptized, confirmed, and married in Champaign, IL at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Paula and the family wish to thank all of the medical staff at Jerseyville Community Hospital, especially Dr. Leo Dizon, Meredith Walters, the entire nursing staff, BJC Hospice, MOBap, Zion Members, and friends, for the wonderful care that he received battling cancer during the last 3 months. Thank you, also, for all of the help from our sons and their families.
Visitation will be held at Elias, Kallal, & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 3:30 - 7 p.m.
Service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. Pastor Mark Hofferber will officiate at 625 Church Drive, Bethalto, IL.
Graveside service will be at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at East Lawn Cemetery in Champaign, IL.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation may mail it to Zion Lutheran Church, Bethalto, to Zion Boy Scout Troop 101, the Alton American Legion, or Wounded Warriors.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
