Donald J. Kilian

November 23, 2023. Born on October 27, 1933. beloved husband to Mary Jo (Kruk) for 64 years.

Loving father to Kathy (Mike), Janice (Alan), Diane (Bruce) and Douglas. Grandfather to Ryan,

Eli, Isak and Shayna. Don was born in Auburn, New York; son of the late Frank and Agnes

Kilian and brother of the late Lenord (Mary) Kilian.

For many years, Don was a quiet guy, but found happiness these past few years perfecting the

art of storytelling - sharing tales of his extraordinary life with his children and grandchildren. Don

started life modestly, on a farm in upstate Auburn, New York. As a young boy, he went to school

in a one room schoolhouse with a wood burning stove. He and his brother Lenny played in an

abandoned house down the road, curious about the inside-outhouse. Only later did he visit an

Auburn museum to discover that it was the home of Harriet Tubman, and a crucial stop on the

underground railway, ferrying slaves to freedom.

In his late teens, Don worked as a technician at the first General Electric Radar plant, but left

Auburn after graduating from High school to join the Naval Reserves, and shipped off to

Chicago. Don discovered the shenanigans of Chicago, bartending in a private house/club (room

and board included) while studying at Devry Technical Institute. One of his favorite restaurants

was the Chicago Stockyard Inn.

Don moved to Detroit, and spent his career working on electronics for Chrysler. While in Detroit

he met and married his life partner Mary Jo Kruk, and together they raised a wonderful family.

Don instilled in his children the importance of common sense, planning for the future and the

value of time with friends and family. Don was the voice of reason and could fix anything!

Don was privileged to retire at age 57, after more than 30 years with Chrysler. He then enjoyed

working at Sears Hardware, sharing advice and wisdom with new homeowners.

Don filled his spare time with bowling, golf, and blackjack, surrounded by friends and family. He

was an avid gardener, canning the summer's bounty of fruits and vegetables to enjoy with

family. Just two years ago, at age 88, he engineered and constructed a grape trellis for the

backyard!

Don left us with many treasured memories of family summer trips in the station wagon and

adventures visiting campgrounds across the East with the Prowler Trailer. Later, Don and Mary

Jo shared many trips to Las Vegas, and the Milwaukee festivals to visit their grandchildren. Don

enjoyed his 90th birthday surrounded by the family he cherished and with fond recollections of a

life well lived. May he rest in peace and he will always be in our hearts.