Donald J. Jasinski

Donald J. Jasinski ""DJ"" Donald James Jasinski, 82, of Joliet, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at his home with his family at his side. He died after a five-year battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Virginia (McMurray) Jasinski, daughters Karen Saathoff (Russ) of Peoria, IL Denise Jasinski of Joliet Il, sons Donald, Jr. (Kim) of Oak Park,IL, Brian (April) of Wauconda, IL, Bruce of Chicago,IL and Jeffrey (Jennifer) of Forest Lake, MN. He is also survived by his sister Lucille Smith and sisters-in-law Jean Jasinski and Dorothy Jasinski all of Joliet. He is preceded in death by brothers Richard and Robert and brother-in-law Thomas Smith all of Joliet. He was the grandfather to twelve -Melissa and Ehrin Nighswanger and Evan Hand of Peoria, IL, Brandon (Hollie) Jasinski of Appleton, WI, Ashley Jasinski of Peoria,IL, Tess, Emma and Nora Jasinski of Oak Park,IL, Matthew and Jacob Jasinski of Wauconda, IL, and Benjamin and Grace Jasinski of Forest Lake, MN. Also survived by five great grandchildren Ellie Nighswanger, Jefferson Schott and Michaela Nighswanger of Peoria, IL and Caleb and Lydia Jasinski of Appleton, WI.

Don was born and raised in Joliet having attended Holy Cross Parochial School and graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1945. Stationed in Germany from 1945-1948, he continued his passion for the saxophone as a member of the U.S. Army Band. Upon returning, he attended Joliet Junior College in 1949 and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1951 with a B.S. in Accounting. He made front-page news when his first child Karen was born on his graduation day which was also Father"s Day. He was hired by Caterpillar and held various management cost accounting roles over the next 28 years in Peoria and Lafayette, Indiana. After retirement, he and Virginia returned to Joliet in 1987 to be with his family and friends where he spent the rest of his life.

Don was a member of the National Association of Accountants, lifetime White Sox and Illini fan and enjoyed watching the games with his family. He was an avid golfer with two hole in ones golfing with the Medicare Swingers. He was recognized as ""King of Senior Bowling"" for Will County by Town & County Lanes in 1993. He was a member of VFW 367, The U of I Alumni Association, Loyal Order of Moose and The Old Timers Baseball Association. He was a devoted husband and father who spent his retirement years helping all his children and grandchildren. Every Christmas, he would make his special eggnog and toast the family"s blessings. A special note of heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sivarajan and his staff and the care givers at Joliet Hospice. Things were much easier thanks to the patience, kindness and loving care they continually demonstrated. Memorial contributions in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice 250 Waterstone Circle Dr. Joliet, IL. 60431 would be appreciated.

A Celebration of Donald"s life will be held on Saturday with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30AM, then in procession to Holy Cross Church for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10AM. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9PM at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life.