Donald R. Bleuher, 91, of Oak Brook, Illinois, died peacefully on the morning of Aug, 6. Don was born Feb. 24, 1932, the son of George and Agnes (O’Con- nor) Bleuher, and grew up in Winsted. He attended the Gilbert School and graduated from the University of Connecticut.
In 1957, Don met Rosemary DeSmedt and they were married for 64 years. Don and Rosemary had six children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and resided in Villa Park, Illinois, for 38 years and then Oak Brook.
Don was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews. Family and friends were central to his life. He made friends easily and was a committed correspondent, making it a point to keep in touch with those that he cared about. Don was in sales for the McCall Pat- tern Company for 40 years where he traveled throughout the Midwest. He and Rosemary developed many lifelong friends through Cursillo and their own small faith community. Don loved sports – most especially UConn basketball, the Chicago Cubs, Bears and Bulls – as well as reading, music, and a good cigar. Don was an unwavering advocate for peace and justice, and volunteered for the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Pius X.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Rosemary, his brothers George Bleuher and Ernie Bleuher, and his sisters Eleanor Scalise and Marie Sherman Kimball. He is survived by his sister Dorothy Kovachich; his six children, Denise (Tim) Angst, Tracy (Pat) Pohl, Michael (Tracy), Chris (Maggie), Tim and Paul (Julie); his grand- children and great grandchildren.
A time of remembrance and appreciation was to be held on Aug. 24 at Steuerle Funeral Home with the funeral mass at St. Pius X, 1025 E. Madison St., Lombard, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.