Donald W. Stinemetz

Donald W. Stinemetz, 68, passed away surrounded by his loving family, November 22, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born and raised on a farm near Hill City, Kansas, Don was a fun-loving, kind-hearted man that never had an enemy until he was diagnosed with cancer in September 2014. Despite the battle, Don found joy in his circumstance, having quality family time during chemotherapy and getting to know the nurses and medical staff that treated him. Don lived being an example of the kind of person we should all strive to be. Don was the son of Fred and Muriel (Bethell) Stinemetz. Don married Maureen Rogers on September 7, 1968. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year with an intimate vow renewal ceremony pledging their love from beginning to end. Don is survived by his wife Maureen Stinemetz; their three children: Jennifer Smith, husband Kevin; Danielle Graham, husband Todd and Brian Stinemetz, wife Kari; three grandchildren: Chloe Smith, and Jackson and Kathryn Graham: and his brother, Phil Stinemetz, wife Susie and their three children. Don grew up with his younger brother Phil on the family farm. With two ornery boys afoot, there was never a dull moment. Whether it was hunting or helping dad, the boys always had a good time together. Don attended grade school and high school in Hill City, Kansas, graduating with the Class of 1966. During his trip to Hill City this past summer, he attended his 50th high school reunion. One of his crowning achievements was earning his college degree from Northern Illinois University in 1990. During Don’s successful career in telecommunications, he was often promoted and transferred, having lived in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. Don started his college education in 1970 and each time he moved, many college credits did not transfer. True to his character, Don showed absolute determination to earn his college degree. When Don graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree, he had enough actual credits for a doctorate! Don loved the Lord and his family. Though Don moved from Hill City, he never forgot where he came from and the values his parents instilled. Don lived his life by those values, whether he was harvesting wheat or sitting in a corporate boardroom. Despite his business success, Don was humble and never too proud to show kindness to strangers, which he did so often. He was a strong family man and a faithful friend. Don loved to cook and will always be remembered for his turtle cheesecake, chocolate chip pecan pie and his extraordinary Thanksgiving meals. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.