Born: Nov. 28, 1937

Died: July 16, 2013

 

Donald L. Disterheft, Sr., 75, of Jones, died peacefully in the presence of his family, Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in his residence.

Donald was born Nov. 28, 1937 in Benton Harbor to Rudolph and Ethel (Laberdy) Disterheft.  He first married Michal “Mickey” Martin April 23, 1966 in Galien. She preceded him in death in 1998.  He married Allana J. Leitz November 26, 2005 in Eau Claire. She survives.

Donald’s passion was farming. He raised beef for several years and had been one of Cass County’s largest hog farmers. He continued in farming, raising soybeans and corn, and still has crops planted this year.  Donald was an avid NASCAR follower, especially as a Dale Earnhardt fan. He has several trophies that he won drag racing in his youth.

Donald started driving semis at a young age (even before he got his license). He was a very social person.  Everyone knew him by his hard work ethic. His motto was, “work will never hurt you, but play will get you every time.” Donald liked to travel, spending his winters in an RV park in San Benito, Texas, making many friends. He loved to camp and fish.

Donald will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Allana (Leitz) Disterheft of Jones and Eau Claire; one daughter, Shelly (John) King of Buchanan; two sons, Donald (Nancy) Disterheft, Jr. of LaPorte, Ind., Doug (Geri) Disterheft of Eau Claire; two granddaughters, Jessica (Jeremy) Disterheft-Ogle, Renae Disterheft; four great-grandchildren, Addison and Taylor Ogle, Hunter and Mekenzie Disterheft; two step-daughters, Deborah (Ronald) Hartlerode of Dowagiac, Leeanne (Nicholas) Borkowski of Richland Center, Wisc.; two step sons, G. Allan (Annette) Tillstrom of Atoka, Tenn., Timothy M. Tillstrom of Hartford; five step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joy (Dave) Rice, Hudson, Ohio, Bonnie (Wayne) Petzke) of St. Joseph; four brothers, Allan (Barbara) Disterheft, Roy (Judy) Disterheft, Tom (April) Disterheft, Dale (Rhonda) Disterheft, all of Eau Claire; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will gather Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway Str., Cassopolis, with Pastor Kevin Parkins officiating.

The family prefers memorial contributions to The Donald L. Disterheft, Sr. Memorial Fund, in care of Fifth/Third Bank, 116 S. Broadway St., Cassopolis, MI 49031, to help Cass County students pursue careers in agriculture.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.