On April 25, 2024, we said “au revoir” to our beloved husband, daddy, papa, brother, uncle and friend. Donald (Don) St. John Jr., at the age of 71, with his close family at his bedside.
Don was born December 31, 1952, in Kenosha to Donald Sr. (Frenchy) and Alberta St. John (Meeker). He attended St. James, McKinley, and Tremper.
He enlisted in the US Army in 1970 and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Don was extremely proud of his service in the 82nd Airborne Division as a US Paratrooper. He earned the National Defense Service Medal and his Parachute Badge “Jump Wings.”
He was also very proud of his French/Irish Heritage. Until recent years he never missed and thoroughly enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with family.
On October 22, 1979, he married Susan Andre in Waukegan, IL. On their 15th wedding anniversary October 22, 1994, they renewed their vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kenosha. In April 2000, Don and Susan adopted their two children, Crystal and Nicholas. In 2011 Don took life’s greatest title of Papa to Aubrianna. Caydon arrived in 2019 doubling his love. He is so very proud of both of them.
Don’s motto in life was peace, love and happiness and signed all of his texts that way. He lived his life with that same spirit as well.
His strong work ethic began early, mowing lawns, raking leaves and a Kenosha News route. Then moving on to Eppers Car Lot washing cars.
At age 18 he began working at American Motors before returning to Gateway in his 30s where he received his Associate of Applied Science in Nursing in December 1990. He was employed by Kenosha Hospital “Downtown” on 5 Palmer Med/Surg Unit. This was Don’s niche! In 1995 he was recalled to Chrysler and retired from there on August 11, 2002, after 32 years. He enjoyed several years of retirement before returning to his love of nursing. He then retired from nursing in 2012, continuing in his retirement which he did very well!
Survived by his “Bride” of 44 years, Susan. Their children Crystal (Brandon) and Nicholas (Claudia). Grandchildren, Aubrianna Lorraine and Caydon Jack. Sister Cher (Rick) Bartlett. Sisters and brothers-in-law, Jim (Violet) Andre, Sunny Andre, Mark (Terry) Andre, and Jeff Andre. Loving nieces Sarah and Donna, nephews, Ryan, Adam, Kevin, Travis, Seth, Keith, David. Further survived by loving cousins, best friend Tom Liegakos, Mechele, Jon, Gary Meeker of California.
Predeceased by father, Donald Sr., sister Linda Duczak, mother and step-father Alberta (St. John) and Harold Meeker, in-laws Edwin and Lorraine Andre and grandparents Harry and Polly Johnson.
Don’s pastimes were pinball, pool, grilling, listening to music and camping up north with his “best girl” Susan for relaxation, bird watching, taking in nature and a bit of shenanigans. He was an avid NASCAR, Packers and Brewers fan.
Thanks to Froedtert South – ICU with special thanks to Connor RN and Dr. Davuluri for their compassion.
A visitation will be held on Friday May 10, 2024 at Kenosha Funeral Services (8226 Sheridan Road, Kenosha) from 5:00PM-7:00PM, and again on Saturday May 11, 2024 at Kenosha Funeral Services from 9:00AM-10:00AM, with funeral services to follow at 10:00AM. Luncheon to follow at the Fireside Restaurant (2801 30th Avenue, Kenosha).
Peace, Love and Happiness
