Donald Raymond Loeschke

Donald R. Loeschke Hi Folks! As you can see, I am writing my own obituary. I felt I might die soon, and no one knows me better than me so I felt I should be the one to write it. I was born in Milbank, South Dakota on December 9, 1929 to Raymond Karl and Kohar Elizabeth (Alice Lepian) Loeschke. My dad moved us from the farm to Mount Clemens, MI when I was six years old. My older sister Jean and I attended Mount Clemens Elementary and Mount Clemens High Schools. In 1948 I joined the army, served one year and was called back to active duty in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War. I had trained with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. When I entered combat, I was in the 17th Regimental Combat Team. May 21, 1951, after being shot in the knee, I was sent to recover in Japan for four months. I was awarded the Purple Heart and the U.N. Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal and the Korean Service Medal. When I came back home I renewed my friendship with my "to-be" wife, Diane Helene (Scott.) We married on November 15 1952 and we have shared 53 wonderful years. We were blessed with two daughters, Nadia Diane and Tanja Manaque, who also blessed us with three grandchildren; Timin Raymond (Danielle), Donald Blaine (Alaina) and Jordache Stephan. Timin and Danielle have blessed us with three great grandchildren; Caitlyn Victoria, Arion Joseph and Amber Elise. Donald and Alaina blessed us with Adam Michael. Our beloved babies. In 1954 I attended Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI where I managed to get my B. A. Degree in English and History. I also attended U of M, Wayne State, and Michigan State for graduate studies in history. In 1957 I started teaching at Warren Consolidated High School. I taught there for eight years and became president of the Teacher's Union; the first paid executive secretary of the union. While serving in these positions, there were many innovative negotiations accomplished. The major successful one was the "Index System" used for the payroll system. Warren and Livonia were the first in Michigan to utilize this system. I tired of teaching and resigned, taking a position with Tri-County Sanitation, Inc. This led to a better position in Southern California with S. Vincent Bowles, Inc. I moved my family to Southern California and worked for Bowles for five years. I then met a prominent defense attorney, Jerome Weber, and his client, George Raft. After several meetings I was offered a good position and later, partnership of Hercules Container, Inc. of which I eventually became president. Accomplishments of my father are many, to name just a few; Man of the Year, Greater Los Angeles Solid Waste Mgmt Association 1972, Listed in Who's Who in California - 1985/1986, member of the Greater Los Angeles, Riverside County, Orange County, San Diego County, Solid Waste Associations. After George died, Jerry and I formed Arpico Steel Corporation and expanded to three plants; Los Angeles, California, South Dakota and Mexico. Lots of hard work and lots of fun. I felt proud of myself but actually there was a great deal of luck involved. As the saying goes - "God takes care of drunken sailors and fools." We moved back to Michigan in 1992. Rich or poor, it has been a wonderful and exciting life full of promise with lots of bumps along the way. I love my family and friends; in fact I love my enemies too. I just love life and all people. I am especially happy that our son-in-law Mike DuVall (Tanja) has consented to be our son. Well, a new adventure - death. How will it all end up? We'll see. Just remember, God's love is the most important thing. Goodbye all, see you soon... .ha ha- Don Don is survived by his wife, Diane Helene, Daughters, Nadia and Tanja (Mike) DuVall; Grandsons, Timin (Danielle), Donald and Jordache Crystal and Jennifer DuVall; Great Grandchildren Caitlyn, Adam, Arion, John and Amber; Nieces Charlene (Gary) Palmer and Candace Mearse; nephews, Michael (Robin) Myers and Robert Mearse (Jim Peeke); sister and brother-in-law Carole and Gilbert Mearse; sister-in-law, Betty Scott; Brother-in-law, Harold Aiken and many other loved family members. Predeceased by his parents Raymond and Kohar Loeschke and sister Jean Raymond. His family honors the memory of Donald and invite you attend memorial services 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the American Legion Hall 234 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, MI. For contact info please call 810-387-3348. Arrangements are by Kaatz Funeral Directors, Yale. For information and Guest book kaatzfunerals.com

Donald Raymond Loeschke

December 9, 1929 - October 28, 2005