Don was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 2, 1935, to Ben Loetz from Lithuania and Ann Loetz (née Karnis) from Chicago. Don married Lynn Loetz (née Hovren), in 1983 and developed a long-lasting love and companionship.
Don was a military veteran in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer, 3rd Class and retired from a successful 31-year career with Owens-Corning. He actively contributed his time within the Western North Carolina community for the last 23 years: as a parishioner of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Maggie Valley; a Fourth Degree member of the NC Knights of Columbus, most recently serving as Financial Secretary; and regular volunteer as a lead cook at The Open Door Ministries in Waynesville, NC.
Don was a devout family man who adored his wife, children and grandchildren. In like, he was also adored by his family along with so many good friends and neighbors in the community. Don enjoyed his time traveling with his Gold Wing group as well as being an avid golfer. Don always conveyed a caring, kind-hearted, and confident demeanor which our world will sincerely miss.
Don is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved granddaughter, Kirstena Loetz.
Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving wife of 35 years, Lynn; his children, Ben and his wife Sheila of Louisville, Kentucky; Renae Bizzell and her husband Eric of Cumming, Georgia; Matt and his wife Deena of Cumming, Georgia; his grandchildren, Matthew, Christopher, David, Sophia, Eric, and Amanda; his sisters, Bernie Dosch of Grayling, Michigan and Patricia Jensen of Atlanta, Georgia along with several nephews and nieces.
Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for Don and the family. A memorial service for Don Loetz will be held May 31st at 1:00 pm in St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Maggie Valley, officiated by Father Richard Benonis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the NC Knights of Columbus (kofcnc.org) or The Open Door Ministries of Haywood County (opendoor-waynesville.org). www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18