IN LOVING MEMORY
OF
DON SPRINGER

February 10, 1934 - April 26, 2008

Donald Gene Springer was born in Bridgeport IL on February 10, 1934 and passed away after battling cancer on April 26, 2008. Don grew up in Lawrenceville IL and moved to Zion in 1941 where he met Mary Ann Hollingshead, and they married in 1951. They eventually settled in Ingleside IL to raise their family of six children until divorcing in 1977. Don began dating Terry (Mary J.) Boyer in 1982 and though never married, they have been together for the last 26 years, moving from Park City to Zion in 1994.

 Don spent 35 years as a dedicated employee at Fansteel in North Chicago and also served as part-time bartender at Bud’s Two-Two Lounge as well as many other North Chicago/Waukegan establishments. After retiring from Fansteel, Don kept busy with various projects including building bird houses, working at the State Park, and spent two years as the Farmer’s Market Manager for the Gurnee Park District which allowed him to further share his warm and outgoing personality with others.

 During his time in the Zion/Waukegan area, Don was active in the Moose Lodge and a member of both The Tiny’s Social Club and the Fansteel Retiree Club. He served on the board and as president of the IAM Union for several terms and was instrumental in providing fair contracts for its members.  Don enjoyed camping, fishing, spending time on the computer, and with his family. But, most of all, he enjoyed spending his days and nights at home with Terry and their dogs Choo-Choo and Charlie.

 Besides Terry, his ex-wife Mary Ann, and mother-in-law Mary Hensley, he’s survived by his children Richard (Laura) Springer of Long Lake, Linda (Mark) Brogren of Gurnee, Robert (Angela) Springer of McHenry, Ronald (Lisa) Springer of Odon, IN, Ray (Cheryl) Springer of Lake Villa, Randy (DeAnn) Springer of McHenry; and also survived by his stepsons Randy (Jennifer) Theis, and Tony (Dianne) Theis.

 Don will also be missed by his grandchildren Dianne Vehlow, Ryan Springer, Donny Springer, Amanda Springer, Nicole Springer, Anthony Springer, Robbie Springer, Stefanie Springer, Tim Springer, Danny Springer, Jessica Theis, Christopher Theis, Nick Theis and one great-grandson, Wesley Springer. Don is also survived by his brothers Lyle, John, and Harold, his sister Lena, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Addaline, brothers Ralph Jr, Clyde, Charles and sisters Ruby, Adda Louise, and Clara Belle as well as his favorite dog, Bogy, who died on April 27, 2001.

Dad, Grandpa, Pe-Paw.... we will miss you dearly!

Thank you to everyone who visited, sent cards or flowers,
donated to Hospice, or just called to support Terry and the family.
 

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