Donald Hans Liebert

Don’s life was marked by deep faith, intellectual rigor, and an unwavering commitment to justice. He attended Wheaton College and later Fuller Theological Seminary, where he met the love of his life, Doris. They married in June 1961, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in shared faith, curiosity, and service. While Don pursued doctoral studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, they welcomed their son, Kurt. The family then moved to Collingswood, NJ, where Don taught at Rutgers University and daughters Lynn and Suzanne were born.

In 1973, the family moved to Spokane when Don joined the faculty at Whitworth College. He taught Sociology and invested deeply in his community— co-leading groups of students to Central America for nearly three decades, helping found Westminster House in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood, and mentoring students around his own table. It was one of his greatest joys to teach alongside Doris when she joined the Whitworth faculty in the late 80s.

Don and Doris loved travel and adventure; a treasured family memory was their nearly three-month 1979 journey through Europe in a VW van with their children.

After retiring, Don and Doris continued their shared calling—teaching in Pakistan and living their faith through action, caring deeply for those on the margins and advocating for dignity, justice, and compassion. In retirement, Don also discovered a passion for painting, embracing creativity and new learning.

Above all, Don treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who delighted in teaching his grandchildren to fly fish, ski, and live with curiosity, passion and deep love.

Don is survived by his sister Esther (Chuck VanDuzee); brother David (Nancy); son Kurt (Sarah Hunt); daughters Lynn (Patrick Caruso) and Suzanne (Curt Marble); grandchildren Carlee (Bryce), Eric (Julie), Isaac Caruso, Max Liebert, Samuel Caruso, Luke Marble, Eli Caruso and Ellie Marble; and great-grandchildren Tatum, Rylee, Saylor and Rhett.A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Whitworth Presbyterian Church on March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Feast World Kitchen, whose mission reflects Don’s lifelong commitment to community, dignity, and justice -- a meaningful way to help carry his story forward. https://www.feastworldkitchen.org/don-liebert-memorial-gifts