Donald Mark Modder

On Sunday, September 20, 2020, surrounded by his family, Donald Mark Modder, loving husband and father to three children passed away in Falls Church, VA at the age of 76. Don was preceded in death by his father Casper Modder, mother Dorothy (nee Locke) Modder and his brother Phillip Modder. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Penny Modder (Hunt), his three children - Julie Paradiso (Michael), Stephanie Hasler (John), Joshua Modder (Scout), his six adoring grandchildren; Enzo, Bella, Delia, Lenea, Philomena and Ruby, his sister Lois Quist and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Born in Lodi, Wisconsin, on December 16, 1943, Don was the youngest of three children. From an early age, he was fascinated by mechanical things. He took apart his first car engine at the age of nine and was behind the wheel earlier than the law may have allowed. Don’s love of cars was a life long passion, and he spent countless hours fixing the family vehicles and lovingly restoring antique Studebakers. Don graduated from Racine Park High School in 1962 and joined the United States Air Force, where he served as a Titan II Missile Technician in Little Rock, Arkansas. After serving four years, he moved back to Wisconsin to marry the love of his life, Penny Hunt, in 1969 at the Kenosha Assembly of God in a ceremony presided over by Pastor John Wilkerson. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and his master’s degree in Educational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Don spent over 40 years in service as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant and Licensed Professional Counselor. He served at the Veterans Administration, at the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and as the State Director of two private rehabilitation companies. He then launched his own private rehabilitation firm, which he ran proudly, along with his wife, until his retirement in 2017 in Virginia. Don was a jack-of-all-trades, who built and restored homes, designed and created masonry walls and extensive landscapes, repaired and restored cars, and sang with a beautiful tenor voice in Cappella groups and church choirs. Don was always an active member of his church community and served in a wide variety of ministries. He traveled and performed with his wife as part of a gospel trio. He served on church boards and as a Bible teacher in his church. Don was proud to play the part of Jesus in the yearly church passion play. Don and Penny also spent many years operating a Wisconsin - based chapter of New Life for Girls, a place where they provided safety, counsel and spiritual guidance for young women who wanted to make a better life for themselves. He was known to write clever and sentimental poems every Christmas to accompany his gift to his wife. He had a perpetual twinkle in his eye, spring in his step, and smile on his lips. He was generous with his talents and never met a stranger. He was quick to offer a hand and went out of his way to fix a stranded car, drop off a bag of groceries or help a neighbor in need. Don used his counseling skills outside of the office to provide comfort, clarity and truth to those who needed counsel. He was known for his quick wit, love of learning, and kind, compassionate heart. He had a deeply held faith in Christ that governed all his endeavors. A celebration of life service for Donald will be held Sunday, September 27, 2020, at 4:00 PM at Murphy Funeral Homes in Falls Church with visitation to follow from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A graveside service will occur on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd in Triangle, VA 22172. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphyfuneralhomes.com for the Modder family. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Donald by making contributions to: Adult & Teen Challenge