Donald Joseph Onderdonk

Donald Joseph Onderdonk, of South Bend, passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend at the age of 88. He was born to the late Emil J. and Anna M. (Fuytinck) Onderdonk on June 16, 1934 in Mishawaka, where he remained a lifelong resident of the area.

On April 23, 1955 in South Bend he was united in marriage to Rosemary Kay Cox. Along with his wife of nearly 68 years, he is survived by daughters, Jennifer (Chris) Hawkins of Valparaiso, Kristin (Mike) Weaver of Goshen, and Lisa (Todd) Peters of Greenwood, IN. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and one on the way.

He worked for Sollitt, and did tool & die design, and was a project manager in the construction industry before retiring in 2000. Donald was a member of the United States Navy from 1956 – 1958. While in the Navy he went to Germany and then to Hungary to rescue people from behind the Iron Curtain. He was an avid fisherman taking trips to Canada and did deep sea fishing. Over the years he and Rosemary loved to travel, visiting over 25 countries and most of the United States. He would spend his spare time reading and had a special interest in suspense novels.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN. Friends may visit with the family at the church one hour prior to Mass. Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Donald’s honor may be made to St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635 or to YWCA – Women’s Shelter of South Bend, 1102 Fellows Street, South Bend, IN 46601.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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