Martin Donald Lieb Jr.

Martin Donald Lieb, Jr., 80, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, having been surrounded by loving family members and devoted caregivers. Don’s life was characterized by steadfast resolve, quiet grace, and enduring love.

Don was born on July 18, 1945 in Marion, Ohio to Don and Martha (O’Connor) Lieb. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Carol (Caprino) Lieb, sister Carolyn (Jim) Dabbelt, brother-in-law Gary Lewis, and niece Christelie (Monnie) Dunlap. He is survived by his daughter Gretchen (Mark) Niswonger, grandchildren John Paul and Carol, sisters Susan (Dick) Robinson, Julia (Ken) Rothe, and Mary Lewis, nieces and nephews Dawn (Ron) Freudenberg, Beth (Dave) Marosi, Jeff (Gretchen) Dabbelt, Dave Dabbelt, Matt (Karen) Dabbelt, Michael (Sarah) Dabbelt, Liam (Abby) Duncan, and Sean (Abby) Duncan, as well as many loving cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, friends, colleagues and caregivers.

Growing up as the only son in the family with four sisters, Don grew up learning to balance honoring his place in the family and community, and finding his own way. He was observant, thoughtful and reflective, committed to values and faith which shaped his decisions and actions. He was steadfast, without being thoughtlessly rigid. A decision made would be carried out. This made him a reliable friend, companion, and family member. Always careful and detail-oriented throughout any project, he was exacting, and also trusted resource and steady presence for those around him.

Don spent the first two years of high school away from home at seminary, eventually discerning that the priesthood was not for him. He returned home and graduated from Marion Catholic High School. Though he was quick and bright, he did not complete his college studies. He opted to enlist in the Army and serve as a non-combatant in Vietnam, honoring both his conscience and obligations. Ultimately after his service he and Carol married and built a wonderful life in Columbus. He worked for over two decades as the anchor of the accounts department at Robin Enterprises, Inc. where he valued and was valued by his co-workers across the company.

He enjoyed cultivating a garden and lawn, playing pool with friends, and visiting with loved ones on a patio, around a table, or watching a sunset over the Lake on vacation. He enjoyed spending time basking in the sun, and taking in nature. He was handy and appreciated craftsmanship, capable of everything from refinishing a beautiful piece of furniture, to an everyday household repair, to helping build a telescope for a school project. He enjoyed reading, following sports teams, listening to music and tv and movies. He could be motivated to join the crowds for a special game, concert or event, but did so to share the experience with the people he cared about. He did not relish throngs of people.

Faced with the loss of his mobility due to PLS shortly after his retirement, Don moved to the Beechwood Home in Cincinnati and started using a power chair. Throughout these transitions Don adapted with grace and maintained his dry wit. He won over doctors, caregivers, and new neighbors with his constant, subtle personality. He adapted careful routines for his daily life, and quietly continued to be a beloved presence.

Don has left his mark on all of us, encouraging us to meet the high standards, and know that we are loved.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, May 29 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 30 at St. Timothy Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43220, with internment immediately following at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 N. High St., Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Clinic Fund at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute and mailed to: The University of Cincinnati Foundation, PO Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219

Online donations to the same can be made using this link: https://foundation.uc.edu/donate?id=c678c14b-b07e-41ef-bb53-2fa695c7162f

Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.