Donald L. Estheimer, Sr.

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, Donald Estheimer passed away peacefully on August 7, 2018. He was surrounded, supported and aided by his family which was a great comfort to all. Born in Columbus, Ohio on December 29, 1940 to William and Bertha Estheimer, Don, 77, is survived by his wife Charlotte Estheimer, (née Windle), who shared their marriage and courtship for over 60 years. He will be greatly missed by his children, Bill (Kristen) Estheimer of San Rafael, CA, Donnie (Sherry) Estheimer, Beth (Dave) Glenn, Tim (Nicole) Estheimer and his adoring grandchildren Kyle and Katie, Tim, Annie and Nick, Alex, David, and Jeffrey and Jake and Jillian. More love and laughter was brought into his life with his three great granddaughters, Riley, Ranger and Kinsley. Don leaves behind his younger sister Donna (Dave) Fast, and older brother Bob (Sandy) Estheimer of Ohio and his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by the The E-Crew, a loyal lifelong group of local family and friends. Don grew up in rural Columbus and spent his after school days riding a horse to deliver the Columbus Citizen Journal along with his brother Bob. Their father along with other family worked at the Dispatch and had their roots in the newspaper business. Their family love of hunting, fishing, and camping continues to this day. Don also had a love of cars that spanned decades from his first Kaiser Special, to his Black Ford Mustang to the "Primo de Résistance" their Cadillac Coupe de Ville. At the urging of his brother Bob, Don and Charlotte and their other their close couples spent many an adventurous trip on their motorcycles through the Midwest and Canada. After working at the State of Ohio Agency on Agency and other various positions and raising their family in Columbus, Don moved his family to Lincoln Park, Michigan and then Allen Park and began what was to be his 34 year career at General Motors. Rising through the ranks of management in the Fleetwood and Hamtramck plants, he continued being on the forefront of innovation attending Wayne State Robotics Program before his retirement. Don officially retired in 2006 and continued to work with Charlotte by his side when their children purchased Primo's Pizza in Allen Park. The spirit of the restaurant was complemented by Charlotte's down home ways and Don's fine attention to detail and order. Don's steadfast deliveries and logistics were an integral part of their launch and success in the business. Don was known as the original Teflon Don having survived his cancer until its return after 20 years. Don was happiest when he was able to give back to Charlotte for all of her loving caring years and instead take care of her during her illness. They were able to enjoy their love of the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR together when they moved to Southgate and always had an open house for their family and friends. Don was a member along with his son's Tim and Donny in the Michigan Masons of Allen Park Masonic Lodge. He will be honored by his brotherhood with a Masonic Funeral Rites service on Thursday at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. His greatest joy was his loving family and the constant fun, adventure and pride they brought to his life. Visitation is set for Thursday, August 9th from 1 to 9 pm at the Allen Park Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 10915 Allen Park Rd., Allen Park, MI. 313-386-6600. Masonic Services will be held at 7:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Martenson Allen Park chapel on Friday, August 10 at 12:00pm. Click on the multimedia tab to view Donald's video tribute.