Obituary of Donald Barritt

Donald R. Barritt Age 79, joined his Lord on Saturday, March 19, 2011 while at his home, with family at his side. Don will be greatly missed by his daughters, Jan (Joel) Walters and Pat (Jim) Kuchenbecker, and by his grandchildren, Jennie and Kyle Gronseth, Jeff and Sarah Walters, and Sarah, Mike and Jake Kuchenbecker, and also his great-granddaughter, Kayla Rose Gronseth. Don's sisters, Joyce (Cliff) Slama and Pat Sipila will miss their weekly phone conversations with Don. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Joan. Don was raised on a small farm in Colorado, where he attended a one room schoolhouse. He played football for the Wray Eagles and then went on to play for the University of Colorado. After serving in the Navy, where he met Joan, he returned to the University and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Don enjoyed being an chemical engineer and plant manager, and worked in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, Massachusetts and spent four years working for Mobile Oil in Saudi Arabia. He and Joan enjoyed traveling to many different countries. Don and Joan were members of St. Jude Church of Joliet, where they had many friends. Don especially loved to spend time with the members of his Light of the World group and with Joan's prayer group friends, "The Magnificent Seven." He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and photography. The family would like to thank Don's wonderful neighbors who meant so much to him, the welcoming folks at Baker's Square and Lone Star who helped Don enjoy many Saturday breakfasts with the family. The family would also like to thank Dr. John Walsh and his nurse, Angie, Dr. Brian Ragona, Shawn from Lincare, and the many medical professionals whose professional and empathetic care will always be remembered. Funeral services for Donald R. Barritt will be Thursday, March 24 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to the Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery were full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy. Memorial in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds. For Information 815-741-5500