Donavan Emil Vicha

Donavan (Don) Emil Vicha was born April 27, 1952 in Berwyn, IL to Robert and Grace (Brannen) Vicha. He died April 6, 2026 in Columbus, OH where he resided with his wife Jessie (MacAlpine) Vicha. Don and Jessie moved to Columbus from Glen Ellyn, IL in 2017 upon retirement to be closer to his son Zach, daughter-in-law Libby (Glover) and grandchildren, Lincoln and Summer. His son, Alex, and daughter-in-law Kim (Buday) live on Florida’s Panhandle where Don and Jessie spent extended time in the winter.

Don had a varied career in traditional and web publishing, starting at Contemporary Books, moving to the American Library Association (ALA) for 20+ years, and finishing at the American Bar Association (ABA). Don was an avid reader and since retiring read and wrote hundreds of book reviews in his favored genres of science fiction and fantasy for the ALA’s Booklist publication for librarians. In the weeks leading up to his passing, he re-read his favorites again, including Lord of the Rings.

Don shared his heart with many in the tabletop gaming community, through spiritual direction, retreats, with his many friends, old and new. Over the years he served on the boards of the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation and the Christ in the Wilderness Retreat Center. He was also very active as a Scout Leader for Troop 41 in Glen Ellyn, IL.

Don enjoyed being in nature and exploring through hiking, backpacking, travel, biking, and later, e-triking. He spent many hours on the screened porch watching the birds at his bird feeders.

Don received a Bachelor’s degree from MacMurray College, Jacksonville, IL where he and Jessie met. They were married 51+ years.

In addition to his wife, sons and their families, Don is survived by: his brothers Roger and Wayne (wife Mel) and sister Vicki (husband Tony Erickson); nieces and nephews Emilee (Erickson), Sean Vicha, Dan (and Mary) MacAlpine (and their children Danielle and Connor) and Bob (and Tamara) MacAlpine; as well as multiple loving cousins.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held in May. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Christ in the Wilderness Retreat Center (citwretreat.com).