Donald A. Keeterle

Donald "Don" A. Keeterle, 97, of Defiance, went to be with his loving Savior while peacefully sleeping on Wednesday afternoon, December 31, 2025.

He was born on November 19, 1928 to the late Herman and Ulita (Vondran) Keeterle. On September 3, 1955 he married Valetta Batt, who preceded him in death on December 9, 2018.

Don was a longtime member of St. John's Catholic Church and was a 68 year Honorary lifetime member of Knights of Columbus #1039, achieving Sir Knight 4th Degree. He was an Army Veteran joining in 1950 during the Korean War and was granted an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal in 1953. Upon returning to civilian life, he worked at Dinner Bell in Defiance for 21 years until he took a position as a business representative for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 626 for 16 years, retiring in 1988. He completed four years of the Union Leadership Course from The Ohio State University.

Highlights of Don's community service involved his appointment as a Democratic County Central Committeeman Defiance for two 2-year terms in 1990 and 1992. Don was elected to represent the Defiance County Democratic Party on the Fort to Port Improvement Organization. Among his many interests, Don enjoyed assisting his brother with the Defiance Boxing Club, traveling with his wife to attend rodeos and see the country, and watching Western movies at home.

Don will be sadly missed by his daughters, Judy Wilhelm of Ft. Wayne, IN, Gloria (Larry) Coffman and Nancy (Mark) Roehrig, all of Defiance. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Scott (Gina) Weidenhamer, Angela Roehrig, Andrea Wilhelm Friesner, Casandra (Chad Sprow) Roehrig Sprow, Nick (Kayla) Wilhelm, Brian (Caitlin) Roehrig and Dustin (Cindy) Roehrig, and 11 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife Valetta, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Peggy Lynn Keeterle, sister Patricia Keeterle, and bother Lee Keeterle.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January  7, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 8th at St. John's Catholic Church with Fr. John Stites officiating. Don will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery with graveside military honors.

Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald A. Keeterle, please visit our floral store.