DONALD ROY KIRKENDORFER, age 91, of Lakes of the Four Seasons, passed on Friday, February 11, 2011 at St. Anthony Hospice in Crown Point. Donald was born May 1, 1919 in Gary, IN to Roy and Alma (nee Hucker) Kirkendorfer. He graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1937 and earned a 2-year Business Degree from Gary Business College. He was a WWII US Army Pilot, after being drafted 6 months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He flew 35 missions in the B-17 and 100 in the C-47, being stationed in New Guinea in the South Pacific for 18 months. He was given a Distinguished Flying Cross and 2 Air Medals. He worked for Mid-America Homes for 32 years as a Superintendent of Field Construction. He was also General Manager of the plant on Hwy. 30, a Vice-President and then President for 2 years.
He was a former member of the Gary Elks Lodge, Miller Optimist Club, Gary Boat Club and New Buffalo Yacht Club. He was a little league coach in Miller Beach. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and boating, especially fishing in the 10,000 islands near Everglades National Park.
Donald is survived by his wife of 64 years, Loretta (nee Hasch), son, Ken of Chicago; Daughter, Rae Ann (William H., IV) Ostenberg of Lakes of the Four Seasons; son, Jon of New Orleans, LA; 4 grandchildren, Kristina (Dr. Jim) Clemens of W. Lafayette, Ken Kirkendorfer of Arcadia, IN, Leah Ostenberg (Dr. Joshua) Stender of San Diego, CA, John McClellan of Chicago; 2 great grandchildren, Olivia Palmer of Kansas City, MO and Erika Clemens of W. Lafayette; brother-in-law, Norman (Ann) Hasch of Northbrook, IL; sister-in-law, Camilla Goodwin, Pekin, IL; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; and grandson, William H. Ostenberg, V.
A private family memorial service will be held later. Rees Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Winfield Chapel, handling arrangements, (219) 661-2600 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.