Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Donald W. Yontz, 83, residing in Huron, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, May 30, 2019 at his home as result of Parkinson's disease.
Donald was born on January 25, 1936 in Sandusky, OH to the late Leslie W. and Florine M. (Dunkel) Yontz.
Donald attended Sandusky Public Schools and graduated in 1954. He was very active in high school sports, earning letters in football, basketball and tennis, where he was crowned district champion in 1953. He received his bachelors degree from Fenn College, now Cleveland State University, in 1960, where he was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the Wing and Torch Society. Donald received the Excellence in Athletics trophy in 1958 and 1959, he won 8 varsity letters, received the Outstanding Senior award in 1960 and became a member of the Cleveland State University Athletic Alumni Hall of Fame in 1980. He served in the US Army for 6 months and was a 6 year member of the US Army Reserves and National Guard. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Donald was employed at the Industrial Nut Corp. from 1966 until 1991, where he served as Accountant, Treasurer, and Vice-President under the generous employment of the Springer Family. He loved his job, his employers and looked forward to going to work every single day.
He won awards for his service to the Goodwill Industries Board of Directors (16 years) Goodwill Man of the Year in 1968; Sandusky Chamber of Commerce (14 years) Youth Service Award in 1972; Sandusky Jaycee Man of the Year in 1971 and Sandusky YMCA Board of Directors.
In 1972, he and his family moved to Milan where he joined St. Anthony Catholic Church, serving as an usher, member and president of the church council and co-chairman of the building committee for the new parish hall in 1984. In Milan he coached and managed teams for the little league and was co-developer of the Milan Over-35 Men's baseball league. He was also very active in the Sandusky tennis circle. He won 7 Sandusky Singles Tournaments, 13 Doubles and 1 Mixed Doubles Championships. He also found time for bowling, volleyball, hard and soft baseball teams, and golf leagues.
Donald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen (Brogle) Yontz, whom he married on July 16, 1960 in the St. Mary's Rectory. He is also survived by his sons, David and John (Christine) Yontz; grandchildren, Ashley, Julia, Nolan and Hannah; step-grandchildren; step great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Betty Brogle and Catherine Yontz and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He and Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling to the Smokey Mountains and walking the Civil War battlefields on vacations. They spent many days shopping at garage sales, flea markets and especially attending auctions to add to their collections and meet like-minded friends.
In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sister, Janet K. Yontz and brother, James H. Yontz.
Thanks are extended to all his caregivers and those Guardian Angels who often stepped up unknown and unannounced but heavenly rewarded.
Friends may call on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky. Father Jeff Walker will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those wishing to contribute to Donald's memory may do so to the Sandusky High School Alumni Association, PO Box 2401, Sandusky, OH 44871-2401, SCCS Foundation, 410 W. Jefferson St., Sandusky, OH 44870 or to one's favorite charity.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
