Donald M. Friend

Donald M. Friend, 93, of Chicago went peacefully to eternal rest on Friday, April 21, 2017. Born June 30, 1923 in Ecorse, Michigan to Irvin B. and Flossie M. (Schnee) Friend. He was the oldest brother of Elbert (Rita) Friend of Sun City Center, Florida. He was preceded in death by his eldest brothers - Clarence "Kirk" (Dorothy), Orlo (Dorothy), Wilburt (Wanda), and Robert; and his sister Clara (John) Ritter. Donald was married to the love of his life, Agnes (née Dedo) for 70 wonderful years last August. Together they raised two loving and devoted daughters, Donna Wolff and Marian Friend. He was the proud and cherished grandfather of Heather (William) Griffin and Christopher Wolff. Other beloved family members include many nieces, nephews and godchildren. Donald was a WWII veteran having served in the Army Air Corps. He was a mechanic stateside and worked particularly on B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft. He was a long-time member of the AMVETS Post 34 (since 1960) and the PLAV Theodore Roosevelt Post 4 (since 1969). His love of airplanes remained with him all through his life. Donald also had a passion for his cars, having owned many throughout his lifetime. In a recent conversation when asked which was his favorite, he said, "his DeSoto." After an honorable discharge, Don married Agnes in Chicago on August 31, 1946. They decided to start their life together in Michigan. Being part of the greatest generation, they took a chance and opened "Friend's Dairy Bar", a restaurant/ice cream shop in Wyandotte. The hours were long and the work was hard, but they did their best to make a go of it. They remained in Michigan for several years, but moved to Chicago to raise their family. Being a painter for his father's company, he started his occupation very early on. Keeping a steady job in the trades was not easy, but he persevered as a union painter for most of his career. He worked for Cook County which meant he had to report to some unfavorable locations, such as Cook County Hospital and Cook County Jail. He believed in unions and that led him to hold several positions for his Local Union #194. He first served as President, and later, the full-time position of Financial Secretary-Treasurer which meant an office job. Donald was a true leader and mentor for the painting industry. For many years, he held a seat on the District Council #14 Examining Board where he tested apprentice painters. Don enjoyed all types of music and even shared Agnes' love of polka music. However, anyone who really knew him knew that he loved Vaughn Monroe. He could listen to Vaughn Monroe for hours and for the last several years, he even enjoyed singing along to the big band sounds which delighted residents and staff of the nursing home. Before the war, however, Don became a fan of country music when he drove a friend from Michigan to Kentucky. During that trip, he was introduced to the sounds of Roy Acuff and there began his love of bluegrass/country music. Donald along with his wife, Agnes, loved traveling and spending time with family and friends. They were members of the Forest Glen Young at Heart Club and several other senior clubs. All through his life, Donald had a great sense of humor. He loved, laughed and lived his life to the fullest. His positive attitude was a blessing. He always looked at the "bright side" and rarely complained. His smile was contagious and he always had a funny line or joke to share. He cherished his family and reminisced fondly about treasured memories. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646. Interment immediately following Mass at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714. Niche 6 - Tier 1A Front. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Alden North Shore in Skokie. Donald was given excellent care from the CNA's and nurses during his three year stay. All of the staff at Alden provided dedicated and compassionate care which has meant so much to his family. Special thanks are extended to Donald's resident friends at Alden who watched over him when the family could not be there. Lastly, and most recently, a grateful thank you to the staff at Family Centered Hospice. The guidance to the family and compassion shown to Donald during his last days will be warmly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or the American Heart Association, www.heart.org