He was born on August 4, 1946 in Pekin to Raleigh and Ann (Keyes) Reaktenwalt. Don married Karen Edwards on March 4, 1966 in Pekin. She preceded him in death on April 18, 2020. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Don is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Robbie) Smith of Lehigh High Acres, Florida and Nicole (Jon) Hill of Peoria; five grandchildren, Jake (Kylie) Watkins, Vanessa (Adam) Payne, Austin (Lindsey) Smith, Mckenzie Swan, and Jadyn Swan; five great grandchildren, Mila, Saylor, Madilynn, Hunter and Paisley; and one sister; Penny (Roger) Hoover of Pekin.
He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. Don later worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 31 1/2 years in the computerized warehouse. He retired in 1999.
His graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions in honor of Don may be directed to https://www.greaterpeoriahonorflight.org/
To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com
