Donald Schreyer

After many years of compromised health issues, Donald “Don” Schreyer passed away on Friday, November 1st, 2024, while in the care of Suncoast Hospice/Empath at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. Donald was born in Waukegan, Illinois, April 21, 1946, where he grew up and attended Waukegan Township High School and graduated with the Class of 1964. He then went on to attend Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois.

When Don was 13 years old, he attended Daniel Webster Junior High School where he met Kathleen Geske who later became his wife in September, 1967. Don and Kathleen were married 57 years and recently celebrated their anniversary in September. Their marriage was blessed by God with Love, Family and incredibly wonderful Friends.

The greatest joys in Papa’s life were generated by his beautiful family; daughters, Lisa Schreyer O’Hara and Amy (Douglass) Rowe; granddaughters, Sunny Lane Rowe, Georgia Michele Rowe and Delaney Quinn O’Hara; sister, Susan (Paul) Stander and Tom and Terry Geske. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Bill Schreyer; brother, Jon Tod Schreyer and grandnephew, Hayden Watson Schreyer.

Family gatherings have always been fun and loud and they were what Don lived for. Often you could hear him ask to be seated at the ‘kids’ table where he could be funny and tell his jokes (not the naughty ones, he saved those for later)! All of the nieces and nephews were so close to Don and he loved them all very much; as far as Don was concerned, they were all ‘his kids’. Along the way he was anointed with other titles from the kids, like: Uncle Donnie Bag ‘O Donuts, Uncle Duane, Uncle D, Uncle Jethro, and “The Donald”.

Don will miss all of the family members including Tim, Shelly, David, Marti, Lori, Rob, Karli, Kelsey, Michael, Jason, Brenda, Jeremy, Janet, Jennifer, Herman, Gabriel, Jaleigh, Ryan, Samantha, Jake, Jacqueline, Luke, Lola, Landen, Liam, Daniel, Aidan, Sarah, Kate, and Connor. Other family members so close to Don’s heart; Carlene Stenson, Christopher and Jeffrey Wilson, Kristina Antonio, Sean O’Hara, and all of the Weavers, Rowes, Stensons and Wawrzoneks.

Don spent his life in the hospitality/customer service industry which took place over a span of 50 plus years. Included in his career path were men’s clothing stores (Chicago area), professional employment services, pizza restaurants, and 24 years with the Caspers Company where he developed his most endearing relationships. One of his favorite memories was being President of the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay for the years 1997 and 1998. Don retired from the Caspers Company in December, 2017 and remained friends with all of his wonderful and loving co-workers.

Over the years, Don’s special hobbies were golfing, time spent gardening and his Wednesday lunches with his pals. A younger and healthier Don could cut a rug with the best of them. He loved Louie Prima, The Big Band sounds and Jimmy Buffet. Regarding Don’s life you could often hear him say “some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way”! (JB)

There will be a Celebration of Life for Don at the Blount and Curry Funeral Home at 605 S MacDill, Tampa, December 28th, 2024, from 2:00-4:30 pm. Prayer service and eulogy will be at 2:00 pm with time for Don’s family and friends to say a few words.

We will forever be indebted for the care and compassion shown to Don and our family by the Suncoast Hospice/Empath Organization.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Suncoast Hospice/Empath.