Donald Walter Stuedemann

Donald Walter Stuedemann, 90, known to most as “Grandpa Don” died peacefully at Morris Hospital on November 6, 2023 surrounded by more loved ones than should be allowed in a hospital room. Don was the Patriarch of a large, devoted family who looked to him for guidance & support. He naturally gained the affection of others with his irreverent sense of humor & his love for duck hunting & poker playing.  He was passionate about his garden & his homemade salsa was famous among friends & family.  

Don was the proud grandfather to 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 4 more on the way.  Don had a certain way with words & demonstrated love for others with his generous nature & kind soul ~ He was a friend to all who knew him.

Don was born in Clinton, Iowa on October 15, 1933 to Leo and Esther Stuedemann. Don married Shirley (Kunau) Stuedemann on May 4, 1958 in Clinton, IA. Don moved his family from Clinton, IA to Seneca, IL in 1980 while he worked for Enron in Morris, IL. Upon his retirement, he worked with his sons in the construction business.  Don was a partner in Stuedemann Construction and most recently in Stuedemann Radon Resolutions.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Kunau,) his son, Daniel Stuedemann & his brother, James Stuedemann.  Don is survived by his children, Kathy Stuedemann, David (Erin) Stuedemann, Doug (Dana) Stuedemann, Barbara (Larry) Watkins; his daughter in law, Marji Stuedemann; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews & too many friends to count. Don lived an exceptional life & will live forever in the hearts & lives of those he touched along the way.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 11, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the funeral home, with Pastor John Walker officiating. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

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