Donald William Pretzel

Age 91, of Apex, N.C., formerly of Knightdale, N.C., passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026. Donald was born on October 13, 1934. He was the son of William Pretzel and Victoria Dabrowski Pretzel (Jurcik) and big brother to his sister Janice Witkowski and his brother, the late Rodney Pretzel. He married his loving wife Maureen, on October 27, 1956. Donald, along with his wife and children, moved to Raleigh N.C. from Chicago in 1973, due to the relocation of his job at Amoco Credit Card Center. After a 2nd relocation to Des Moines IA, Don and his wife retired and moved back to N.C. to be with their children and grandchildren. At that time, they settled in Knightdale, N.C.

Donald is predeceased, in death, by his wife, of 69 years, Maureen who passed away last January.

He is survived by his Children, Michael and wife Becky Pretzel and Victoria and husband Daniel Makely. His Grandchildren, Justin Pretzel and partner Cody, Ryan Pretzel, and Drew Pretzel. Brian Makely and wife Brittany, Jamie Andrews and husband Jeremy. Kimberly McGrann and husband Marc. Donald is also survived by 12 Great-Grandchildren, Leo (Pretzel), Margaret, Marian, Johnathan, Evelyn, and Elanor (Makely), Daisy, Henry, and Lillian (Andrews), and Charlotte, Sullivan, and Wyatt (McGrann).

Together during their younger years, Don and his wife enjoyed bowling on leagues with friends, golfing together and especially loved to dance. They enjoyed the dance floor, especially dancing to Polkas and they had a trophy to prove it.

There were Wonderful "Family" trips to the beach and a Florida Disney vacation that Don called, "his last hurrah" even though it was many years ago.

He was a gifted artist/cartoonist. A talent not known by very many except his immediate family. Donald was very proud of his service to our great country. He was stationed in the Philippines during the time he served in the U.S. Navy.

Besides his Family, Don's passion was golf. He loved the game. He spent hours on the goIf course with friends, family, and his wife. He was a member of Raleigh Country club in the 70's and 80's and scored his first Hole in One in June, 1981, on that very course. His second came much later in 2002. After retiring from golf, due to health reasons, he continued to enjoy the game, watching all the tournaments on TV.

Retirement leisure time, with Maureen, was spent with family and friends, between frequent trips to the Cherokee Casinos. Whether they won or lost, always a good time.

Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa..... Gone but never forgotten.

From the Pretzel and Makely Families, A Heartfelt Thank You to all of the Staff, in both Independent Living and Assisted Living, at the Reserve at Mills Farm.