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!