Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Donald W. Piper, "Don"

Passed away on September 10, 2019

Donald W. Piper, “Don”, age 71, late of St. John, IN and formerly of Burnham, IL passed away on September 10, 2019. Beloved husband of Julie Piper (nee Morgan) for 50 years. Loving father of Michelle (Bill) Lionberg, Kerry (Bob) Ericksen and Michael (Lisa) Piper. Devoted grandfather of Ryan Lionberg, Jason Lionberg, Matthew Lionberg, Lauren Lionberg, Emily Lionberg, Morgan Ericksen, Zachary Ericksen, Payton Ericksen, Hailey Whennen, Jacob Piper and Jacci Piper. Dear son of the late Donald R. and late Paulina Rose Piper. Dearest brother of Ron (Pat Willoughby) Piper. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Retired employee of Ford Motor Company Chicago Assembly Plant with 42 ½ years of dedicated service. Longtime volunteer with the St. Maria Goretti Food Pantry. Longtime active member of Tri City Girls Softball where he was a “Board Member” as well as a coach. Don was a longtime “Diehard” Chicago Bear and Chicago Cub fan. Visitation Friday 2-8 p.m. Funeral services Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) with prayers at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 West 97th Lane (1/2 block west of U.S. 41 / Wicker Ave. at 97th Lane) St. John, IN 46373 to St. John the Evangelist Church Day Chapel (Corner of U.S. 41 / Wicker Ave. and 93rd Ave. ) St. John, IN 46373. Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. Rev. Sammie Maletta, officiating. Cemetery private. 219-365-3474. www.elmwoodchapel.com.

 

Funeral

Prayers at Elmwood Chapel
Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 12:00 pm

Funeral Mass:
St. John the Evangelist Church - Day Chapel
Corner of 93rd and 41
St. John, Indiana 46373
Saturday, September 14, 2019 - 12:30 pm

Interment:
Cemetery Private

Visitation Location

St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474

Map

Visitation Information

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Condolences
"We have lost a great person, Don was gentle and caring.He made everyone comfortable around him. He surprised me with a phone call when my husband passed away, That call meant the world to me. God has gained a wonderful angel. "
- Christine (Popka) Lesniewski
September 11, 2019 4:32 pm
"Jerry and I send our deepest condolences.prayers to the family 🙏 may he rest in peace. Love Mike and Jerry ."
- Michael Prozanski
September 11, 2019 5:53 pm
"So sorry to hear this news. Prayers of comfort for your family Julie. Very glad we had the pleasure of meeting you both at Pat and Red's in Evanston. I believe it was for Tess's Graduation from High School??? That was awhile ago so not 100% sure, senior moment kicking in. Anyway we sure had a great time, that part I do remember. Take care and know you are in our prayers. Comfort that Don is in a much better place now. He will be missed here but God gained a great person getting things ready for the rest of us. "
- Tim and Cathy Willoughby
September 11, 2019 7:32 pm
"So very sad to have such a close and dear friend leave us way too soon! We grew up together, raised our kids together, vacationed together and shared so many warm memories. Don will always be in our hearts as well as Julie, Michelle, Kerry, Michael and all their loving and caring grandkids. Our lives will never be the same. (We'll miss you Don!)"
- Ralph & Judy Sylester
September 11, 2019 7:39 pm
"We were so blessed to know Don, Lydia and I always appreciated his friendship and humor. It was good to know we could always count on him. We enjoyed our banter about the Bears and Packers. Rest in Peace our Brother. Your friends Mike and Lydia Bouvat"
- Michael Bouvat
September 12, 2019 2:19 pm
"Dear Julie, please accept our deepest sympathies. We are both shock and saddened to hear that we lost him after he worked so hard to regain his strength. He will be missed by all who knew him. We are not in US so will talk to you when we return. Our sympathies to you and family."
- Charlotte & Ir v Roberts
September 12, 2019 11:16 pm
"Dear family of Don, may peace be with you on this very difficult time. May you know that this is only temporary and will see him again. I'm just sorry that I didn't get to know Don during his earthly lifetime. I will always remember the time he came to my Moms funeral and sat at our table for lunch. He seemed to help me get through my day. Till we meet again Don RIP. Your cousin, Angi"
- Angi Schneider
September 13, 2019 7:51 am
"The Universe has lost one of it's brightest STARS... but Heaven has truly gained one of the finest angels there is. Don was a great friend to everyone he met, very evident by the number of people he has touched in his lifetime. TFN '66 will always remember what a wonderful job he did on our 50th reunion committee. A tender soul with a huge heart. We shall miss his smile and warm hugs."
- Mary Anne & Elden LaHayne
September 13, 2019 8:49 am
"to the family of donald piper Our condolences from the brother and sisters of local uaw 551... Dick odle"
- dick odle
September 13, 2019 3:10 pm
"Dear Julie and Family, Our condolences on your loss. Don was a good friend to all of us in the TFN Class of ‘66. It will not be the same without him. His kind and gentle spirit and great sense of humor will live on in our memories of him. At this very sad time, may you take comfort and find peace in knowing how much he was loved and appreciated by so many people."
- Diane Kavadias Schneider and David R Schneider
September 14, 2019 10:53 am
Candles Lit
"Forever in our hearts.❤️❤️"
- Cathy & Calvin Oaks
September 11, 2019 6:46 pm
"There isn't a candle that could ever replace the light that has been taken away!"
- Ralph & Judy Sylvester
September 11, 2019 7:45 pm
"Julie and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Don always had a smile on his face. He was a bright star in this world. We will miss him so much. We were happy to call Don friend. God be with all of you. Love, Rich and Barb"
- Rich and Barbara Diebel
September 12, 2019 11:51 am
"Don was someone I met at Fitness Pointe and later learned that we attended the same church. Truly one of nicest men I have ever met. My prayers to the family. Thank God we get to keep our memories. RIP Don"
- John Boyle
September 16, 2019 9:34 pm