Donald Leon Vyhnalek, 85, made his journey to heaven to be with Jesus at 12:41 p.m. on February 16, 2021 after a short illness. His wife of 56 years was by his side. Donald was born on December 4, 1935 in Crete, Nebraska to Thomas & Edith (Houser) Vyhnalek.
During his high school and college career he played basketball, football and track. While at Rio Grande, he played with Bevo Francis at Madison Square Garden on his 18th birthday. Donald retired from Ford Motor Company where he was the Claims Manager for Product Litigation.
He married the love of his life, Rosilyn Kay Young on August 9, 1964. Donald was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family dearly. Donald and his wife moved from Livonia, where they lived for 28 years, to Point Isabelle area in 1996 to be closer to Rosilyn’s twin sister, Roselyn Farley.
Don’s greatest love besides his wife and daughters, were his 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Don loved to golf and he loved to play at Arbor Trace Golf Course and with his 7 holes-in-one. He retired from golf a few years ago.
In addition to his wife Rosilyn, Don will be forever missed and cherished by his daughters, Angela (Mark) Stein and Barbara (Kevin) Elliott; grandchildren, Joshua (Alex) Elliott, Jared Elliott, Jacob (Kara) Elliott, Jonathan Elliott, Hannah Elliott, Abigail Elliott, Grace Elliott, Shelby (James) Putnam and Raymond Stein.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edith Vyhnalek; his in-laws, Charles and Evelyn Young; sisters, Maxine Duba and Betty Jean Hillard; brother-in-law, Merl Duba; and sister-in-law, Roselyn Farley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Services, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Visitation will be on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by the funeral services at Harmony Christian Church, located at 9043 W. 1800 N. Elwood, Indiana. The funeral will be officiated by Pastor Ron Meyer and Pastor Josh Shoemaker.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Harmony Christian Church or Heart to Heart Hospice, 1385 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana, 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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