Donald Dean Stutzman

Donald Dean Stutzman, 92 of Albany, passed away Sunday.

Don was born in Cairo, Nebraska on June 19, 1926, to Aaron and Iva Stutzman. He was one of 9 siblings.

Don enlisted in the Army in 1944 and served in World War II in France, Germany, and Austria for 6 months with Company F, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division. During that time he was promoted to Corporal and was a section leader of 24 men. After his service, Don was honorably discharged in 1946. 

Don met Bonnie Saltzman in the early spring of 1950 when Don and a friend attended Salem Mennonite Church in Shickley. Six months later, they were married on September 17, 1950, at the same church where they met. After their wedding, they lived in Cairo where Don and his brother had a well-drilling and plumbing business. Together, they enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

In 1951, Don and Bonnie started their little family with the birth of Kevin. About two years later Judy was born. The following year, they had their surprise as Bonnie gave birth to triplets - Donald, Darreld, and Darwin.

In 1958 Don and Bonnie moved to Oregon with their five children and settled into the Willamette Valley and worked in various mills, Nofziger Seed Company, and Midway Construction.  In 1972, he started his own business,  Don’s Cat Service. After working for over 20 years in the business, he retired. After he retired from the excavation business he worked for Mennonite Village for many years in their maintenance department.

Don attended several churches over the years in Oregon and was an active member at Plainview and Fairview Mennonite, Albany First Assembly of God, and Neighborhood Church.

He enjoyed riding his trike-bike, telling jokes, gardening, drinking coffee with friends, crafting ladder ball games, and helping others as an all-around handyman, 

Don is survived by son Kevin and wife Marilyn; daughter Judy Albrecht and husband Dale; son Donnie and wife Lori; and son Darwin; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; brothers Paul and Bob; and sister Ruth Hofer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie; son Darreld; brothers Clyde, Dick, and Ray; sisters Ruby Stutzman and Fern Haima.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mennonite Village Foundation.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home handled the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).

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