Donald Bartkowiak Obituary

Donald Edward Bartkowiak
Born: June 29, 1939 in Chicago, IL
Died: July 7, 2021 in Downers Grove, IL
Donald Edward Bartkowiak, born June 29, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, died peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois on July 7, 2021. Don was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Born to Edward Bartkowiak and Victoria Szewecjkiewicz, Don married Diane Dyer in 1961, with whom he started a family in Chicago before relocating to Downers Grove, where they made their home for decades on Stonewall Ave. He was father to seven, Kathy (Neil), Dan (Kerri), John (Deb), Michelle (Jim), Steve (Marilyn), Brian, and Kevin, grandfather to eleven, great grandfather to three and brother to Marianne and Raymond. Don spent his career as a Systems Analyst at Service Master and Waste Management. Outside work he enjoyed a number of hobbies, such as golf, fishing, home improvement, watching Chicago sports teams, and managing his long-standing family fantasy football league. Every March he stirred up excitement in college basketball by running his March Madness tournament that was looked forward to by many. His good nature, firm handshake, and head-turning laugh endeared him to many, but the large family he nurtured and continually brought together throughout the year was a testament to his love and makes those who are a part of it proud of what he built. He will be missed by many. A mass was held in his honor at St. Joseph's Parish in Downers Grove on Monday July 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM.