Donald Keith Warenski

Don Warenski, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the remarkable age of 95. Born on May 5, 1929, in Los Angeles, California, to George Keith Warenski and Elizibith Eckersell, Don was the youngest of two children.

Always a planner and entertainer, Don wrote his own obituary several years ago. Laden with cleverness and humor, it paints an almost accurate picture of who he was. His children all agree that he was incorrect in saying that "he was good, but not the best" because he truly is the best they come.

Early to bed, early to rise.

Work real hard, and then he dies.

Beneath the sod, an eternal rest.

He was good, but not the best.

He loved his wife, and each kid.

Regardless of what they did.

Now rest his soul.

Laying there in that damn hole.

In 1950, Don married the love of his life, Iola Jeanenne Baxter. Their marriage of 73 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership and friendship. They had six children together and Don always said his children were his best investment. He led by example and the love he showed his children will continue to be felt by his 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanenne, his daughter, Julie, his sister, Vera, and his granddaughter, Abby.

Don graduated from Granite High School and attended the University of Utah for several years before meeting Jeanenne. Soon after their marriage, he began a career as a sheet metal worker, dedicating 40 years to the metal trade. His expertise and passion for craftsmanship extended to teaching sheet metal layout at a vocational school, where he undoubtedly made a lasting impression on countless students.

Always a dreamer and a doer, Don set out to build a home for his family. After studying floor plans he found discarded at construction sites, savings he and Jeanenne had carefully set aside, and help from his father-in-law, Don built a house that became much more than just a structure. The Warenski home, completed in April 1959, became a cherished gathering place for holiday celebrations, birthdays, weddings, and countless memories enjoyed by generations of family and friends. Don’s determination and ingenuity in creating this home, exemplifies his ability to overcome challenges and turn dreams into reality. He lived in the home he built until the day he passed.

Don, also known as "The Tin Man" had a shop in the basement where he created beautiful handcrafted stars from metal using his own methods and tools that he made. His stars and other creations are enjoyed by people across the country.

Don was a man of many talents and a lifelong learner. He enjoyed painting and reading history books. He taught himself Spanish, how to play the guitar, and most recently, how to play the piano. A visionary, innovator and natural-born engineer, Don was known for inventing gadgets and tools to simplify life and solve problems. He was also a gifted storyteller. Family and friends fondly remember him as creative, compassionate, determined, patient, loving, mischievous, and endlessly curious.

Don’s legacy is one of love, ingenuity, and a relentless thirst for knowledge. He leaves behind a family deeply enriched by his wisdom, humor, and example. His life serves as an example of how to live with purpose, creativity, and kindness.

In honor of his memory, a private family service and celebration of life will be held for his immediate relatives.

Rest in peace, Don Warenski. You built more than a home—you built a legacy of love and inspiration that will endure for generations to come.