Obituary of Donald Birsa SR

Donald James Birsa Sr. Age 75, passed away Saturday July 18th, 2009 at home with family by his side. Beloved husband of Nancy J. (Richardson) for 52 years; devoted father of Donald J. Birsa Jr. (Annette); Terrance J. Birsa (Paula); Sally J. Honiotes (Pete); Melissa J. Trepel (Jim); Carrie J. Stiteley. A very proud Grandpa to; Brianne and Taylor Birsa; Sam, Zoe, Nick, Anna and Tess Birsa; Emily, Pete John, Lucy, Maggie and Grace Honiotes; Sydney Trepel; Calvin and Will Stiteley; Brother to Lorraine (Charles, deceased) Pederson; Thomas (Anne) Birsa; Ben (Carole) Birsa. Don is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, Rose (nee Konowalski) and Benjamin Birsa; Brother, Richard Birsa; Sister, Patricia Ahlvin. A native of Rockdale/Joliet, he was born on April 23, 1934. Don attended Rockdale Grade schools; he graduated from Joliet Central High School in 1952 and Joliet Junior College in 1954. He attended Cornell College in Iowa and served two years with the U.S. Army in Germany. Don spent over 35 years at his job in advertising with the Copley Newspapers as Classified and Retail Manager, and Director of Advertising in Joliet, Aurora and Geneva. Upon retirement, he worked for the Joliet Catholic Explorer Newspaper as Advertising Director for 5 years. He was past president of Will County Chapter of Credit Unions; past president of the Joliet Exchange Club; member of the Joliet Elks Club and the Old Timers Baseball Club. He was active in Little League baseball at Marycrest and the Joliet Babe Ruth League. His greatest joy was being actively involved in the lives of his 15 grandchildren. The family gives a heartfelt thank you to all relatives, friends and neighbors for all of their love and support. An extra special thank you to caregivers, Jewell Cade and Jetta Laster, for their kind and gentle ways. Funeral Services for Donald J. Birsa, Sr. will be Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home to Holy Family Catholic Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials to the Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet IL 60431 or a charity of your choice. Visitation Monday 3-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: (815) 741-5500