Donald G. Hartlaub
AURORA, Ill. — Mr. Donald G. Hartlaub Sr. 88, of Aurora, went peacefully to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Don was born July 2, 1921 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in Chicago and graduated from St. Patrick High School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country aboard the U.S.S. Denver CL58. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal and Bronze Star. He earned the rank of Lieutenant JG, successfully completing 49 missions.
In September 1947, he began his career as an auto mechanic. He owned and operated Don’s Service Station & U-Haul at the corner of Illinois and Broadway for 35 years. Dad was able to give many young men the opportunity for their first working experience.
He was united in marriage to Shirley M. Weston on May 20,1950, at Sacred Heart Church in Aurora. He has been a member of Annunciation Church of Aurora for more than 50 years, where he served as a lector, and member of the Holy Name Society. He later was appointed to the Education Council of Roncalli and Aurora Central Catholic High Schools. He demonstrated his staunch support of Catholic education by sending his six children to Annunciation B.V.M. and Aurora Central Catholic High School.
He was a sports fan for his children and grandchildren, taping events as well as chaperoning many formal dances at both high schools. He was a gentleman, a great father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He dearly enjoyed spending time with his 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his six children, among them includes Kathy (Randy) Mickelson of Morris; and 16 grandchildren, among them includes Carly Mickelson of Morris.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley on April 27, 2009.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, from The Daleiden Mortuary to Annunciation Church, 1820 Church Road in Aurora, at 10 a.m. Fr. George Glover O.S.B. will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Don & Shirley Hartlaub Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, 111 W. Downer Place Aurora, Ill., 60506, or The American Cancer Society.
For more information, call 630-631-5500 or visit the Web site www.daleidenmortuary.com.
