Donald Freund
Alton | Save
Donald (Don) Albert Freund, 92, of Alton died on November 29, 2025.
Don was born to Arthur and Margaret Freund on May 23, 1933, in Woodstock, Illinois. His childhood was filled with outdoor adventures featuring his brothers, Bill and Dick, and his beloved dog, Prince. His father owned a successful custom residential homebuilding business where Don learned how to build things. As a young boy he took a ride in a barnstormer’s airplane, catalyzing a lifelong passion for flying and airplanes. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, Woodstock High School, and graduated from the University of Illinois.
While obtaining his aeronautical engineering degree he met the love of his life, Vivian LaVaughan (Bon) Johnston, to whom he got married on November 9,1957. He joined the US Air Force, served in the 3640th Pilot Training Wing in Laredo, Texas, and became a fighter pilot stationed in Arizona, Alaska and Guam. He was honorably discharged and became an aeronautical engineer for McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing.
Don enjoyed roadtrips, spending time outdoors, gardening, birdwatching, and winter walks with his children and the family dog, Sugar. He was a proud homeowner who worked tirelessly on improvements to the homes he and Bon made over the years. He was a doting grandfather who enjoyed spending time on projects that he knew his family would be able to use for their enjoyment. He was a skilled woodworker who built and repaired furniture, benches, and birdhouses.
Beneath the surface of his quiet and determined approach to life was a warm and benevolent man with a tender heart who was always good to his word and generous with his time. He never met a cookie he didn’t like, having a particular affinity for ginger snaps. He was a connoisseur of hamburgers and shelled peanuts as a pastime while watching the St. Louis Cardinals on the television. “Papa,” as his grandchildren affectionately called him, will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Don is survived his children; Stephanie (Jim) Strauss of Des Moines; Kurt (Beth) Freund of St. Louis; Lisa (Ted) Rockwell of Boulder; Margaret Freund of St. Louis; and Rachel (Stephen) Rachford of St. Louis. He will be missed deeply by his grandchildren; Aaron, Carmen (Patrick), Nolan, Reed (Brittany), Madelaine, Nicholas (Mackenzie), Zachary (Brooke), Jackson, Nathan (Hannah), Annaliese; and great-grandchildren; Carson, Vivian, Sophie, Colton, Sean, and Arlo.
Don is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, his wife Bon, his daughter Cindy, and his grandson Vaughan.
Visitation will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, IL.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, IL. Father Nathan Marzonie, OMV will be the officiant.
Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.staten-fine.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
