Racine – Donald Joseph Tempesta; age 74; passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.
Donald was born in Racine on January 21, 1941 to the late Arnold and Cecile (nee: Jarzomski) Tempesta. He attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1959” with a perfect four-year attendance record. Donald went on to learn the art of Barbering at Moler Barber College in Chicago. He faithfully served our Country with the United States Army Reserves.
On December 12, 1964 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Donald was united in marriage with the love of his life, Susan Jean (nee: Stempe). They were extremely proud to have just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
As a master barber, Donald began his career cutting hair with Mario Aiello at Mario’s. Years later, he went on to The Captain’s Chair – North….and in 1993 became the sole owner. Donald continued serving his loyal customers, of whom he considered friends, until retiring at the end of 2014.
Don was a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church and of the Roma Lodge. Outside of the barber shop, he was a sports enthusiast – a true fan of the Packers, Brewers, Cubs & Badgers. However, above all, Donald was a phenomenal family man who always placed his wife, children and grandchildren – number one!
Surviving are his loving wife, Sue; their children, Laura (Pete) Reynolds, Lisa (Paul) Drdak, Donny (Heidi) Tempesta, Julie (Greg) Kuske and Michael Tempesta; grandchildren, Jake and Ben Reynolds; Austin and Allison Drdak; Alex and Ava Tempesta; Franni, Grace and Mikey Tempesta; sisters-in-law, Mary Dengel, Jane (Cliff) Grevstad and Nancy Cohen; brother-in-law, Jon Stempe; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, clients and friends…..too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sisters, Pamela Tempesta and Rita Mae Perkins; nephew, Ted Cohen; brothers-in-law, Jim Dengel and Lee Cohen; and by Sue’s parents, Stanley and Grace (nee: Wojtecki) Stempe.
A memorial service, with military honors, will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 5:45 pm with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. A Life Celebration dinner / reception will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:30 – 5:30 pm (Roma Lodge service at 5:30 pm). In memory of Don, memorials to St. Lucy Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderfully caring staff and doctors at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center – especially the ICU nursing team and Dr. Timothy LeSage; and to Dr. Michael Mullane and his nursing team for all you have done for our family. May God bless all of you!
Sue Theirbah Danhauser says
Dear Sue,
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sue
Kristen Cohen says
Uncle Don always made the cousins and me laugh! I will miss Uncle Don. I’m glad the cousins and Aunt Sue have each other!
Karen Knauer says
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I have such happy memories of our families getting together with the “Elder Stempes”. As an inlaw Don always had a loving heart and great sense of humor with the group.
Thniking of you,
Karen
Eileen drenner says
Dear Sue,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.sincerely, Eileen
Gene Nygro says
My sympathy to the Tempesta Family. Both Rita and Don were good friends growing up at St. Stan’s and St. Catherine’s.
Dick Gross says
God Bless Donny, (Deets), always had a smile for everyone, I know he will be missed by all. I will keep him in my prayers.
tammie sessa radspinner says
Sue and family..No words can express the feelings of loss when you lose a great man like Don. I know you all knew how much Don meant to me. 🙂 You are all in our prayers…Tammie & Fred Radspinner
Dr. Steven and Kim Campbell says
Our deepest condolences to all. Don was truly a terrific person. He will be missed without question . Steve had many haircuts and much friendship through Don. Not to mention, sports talks ! May God be with you all as you heal knowing he is with Our Lord in peace. Love to all–Kim and Steve
Jim Wydeen says
I was privileged to have known Don for the past 5 years. As a customer of his, I was always greeted with a smile and a big hello. Don was truly a gentle man. Opening Day will be bitter sweet knowing I can’t go in and lament the Cubs. Peace my friend, and thank you.
Angela Obradovic says
Sue and family, we are deeply sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Heidi Beernink says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our family is praying for yours during this time. Don always has a smile and a wave for us as he left the neighborhood. I will cherish those moments.
Love, The Beernink’s
Randy and Julie Pinnow says
Our Deepest Sympathy to your family during such a difficult time. Don was an amazing man. His smile would light up a room and he will truly be missed.
Nancy from Piggly Wiggly says
I am so sad to hear that Don passed away. He sure was one special man! I am sorry I missed the showing and the funeral . My night to work.. I would’ve been a crying anyway! My prayers have been nonstop. I am so glad he shared a little of himself with us! Gods blessings to you and the family . I am sure he will be missed!