Don Maisel

Don Maisel, beloved husband, father and friend, was 80 years old. He was born March 26, 1932 in Lombard, Illinois to Thomas Fredrick and Winifred Scott Maisel. He died Friday June 1st, 2012. He attended Bradley University in Peoria Illinois. He was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, and graduated with a degree in Political Science. After graduation he served in the United States Air Force as a B-47 pilot in the Strategic Air Command.

In 1956, on New Year's Eve, he married the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Meyer. In 1961, Don and Peggy started Cowboy Cleaners. He worked many long hours to make the business successful. Fifty years later, it is a family owned operation run by two of his surviving daughters Shannon and Vicky. Its success is a testament to the honor and dedication of its founder Don, better known as Daddy from the company's famous slogan, "That's what daddy named it." He was greatly admired by his peers in the dry cleaning industry. He was voted President of the Texas Laundry and Dry Cleaning Association. He was also elected to serve on the national level as a director for the International Fabricare Institute. As director, he was the representative for eight states. For many years, he served as a director and ambassador for the Southwest Drycleaners Association.

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brothers Kenneth and Thomas. Don is survived by his wife, Margaret "Peggy" Maisel, his four daughters: Vicky, husband Mike Colemere, children Alix and Connor; Leslie, husband Richard Otero, children Scott, Kelley, and Chase; Kristi, children Paul, and Madison; and Shannon, husband Arney Srackangast, children Shayna, Hanna, and Emma; his sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Robert Doyle, and cousins Carol Browne and Patrick Kittell, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, sisters-in-law Barbara Maisel and Geraldine Maisel, mother-in-law Connie Beck, brother and sister-in-law Paul and Brigette Meyer and many life-long friends.

Don was described by friends as "a true gentleman". His word was his bond and always thought of others first. When asked if he was all right during his illness he replied "I have a wonderful wife, beautiful daughters and the best grandchildren - I'm more than all right." He loved his family and was never happier than when he was with them. He always attended his grandchildren's school events, even attending ballet recitals though he did not like ballet. He was loved and adored by his children and grandchildren. He was more proud of their accomplishments than any he achieved. He was happily married for 55 years. To the day he died, his wife was and will always be the love of his life. He will be missed everyday by those that knew him and loved him. To know Don was to love him. We will all miss his kindness, humor, and the twinkle in his eye and sly grin when he was about to do or say something slightly mischievous.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

MASS

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2012

2:30 P.M.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

20523 HUEBNER RD.

Celebrant will be dear friend and pastor of many years, Monsignor Douglas Fater. Pallbearers will be his four grandsons, nephew Kenneth Maisel and cousin Patrick Kittell.

Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the many friends that loved and cared for Don. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Ricardo Garza, long time family friend and exceptional physician.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be sent on behalf of Don Maisel to either the St. Joseph Indian School, 1301 N. Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325; or The Texas Burn Survivors, 8531 N. New Braunfels, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78217.