Donald F. Czerniak

Donald Frank Czerniak, the first of 4 children born to Frank and Emily, died on July 23, 2024, in Toledo, OH, at the age of 86. He was an imaginative and creative child who grew into an adventurous man who yearned to be independent. Donald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, in 1955 at age 17, upon graduation form Holland High School where he lettered in football, baseball and track. During his service of almost 4 years, he gained technical knowledge and worked as a Bomb Navigation Electronic Technician. After an honorable discharge, Donald quickly enrolled in DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Electronic Technology at age 23. He and a friend then drove to Los Angeles, CA in search of employment. Within a week, he was hired into the Metrology Lab at Douglas Aircraft, an American aerospace and defense company in Santa Monica, CA. Donald was placed in the Radio Frequency section. Later, he worked in the Secondary Standards Lab as an Electronic Technician and Certification Procedure writer, working a total of 5 years for Douglas. Donald returned to Toledo and began his lifelong pursuit of writing, through which he poured out his thoughts on the page, producing numerous novels, plays and poems, and never giving up his dream. In 1967, Donald joined Jeep Corporation, becoming a Layout Inspector, working there until his retirement. Almost 20 years later, he married the love of his life, Rita Dankmer. They shared a mutual love of travel and the arts over the years of their marriage which ended at her death. They had settled in the little village of Grand Rapids, OH, which remained his home until his death. The village was a safe haven for him where he developed lasting relationships. In addition to his daily writing, Donald expressed himself by creating beautiful watercolor and oil paintings. Very near the end of his life when he had many physical limitations, his creativity sparked a unique and colorful loose watercolor style. Donald was a big fan of the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Guardians and enjoyed following them and watching them play over many years. Donald is survived by his siblings and their spouses, Sharon (John) Donovan, David (Melanie) and Christine (John) Rohr. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, David (Teresa) Czerniak II, Steven (Sandy) Donovan, Ruth (Aaron) Clingan, Adrian (Kristy) Rohr and Justin (Kate) Rohr; as well as 8 great nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; his parents; niece, Julie Donovan and nephew, Eric Rohr. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 26th at St. Patrick Church, 14010 S. River Rd., Grand Rapids, OH 43522, at 11:00 a.m. where the family will begin greeting guests at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Memorials may take the form of contributions to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Wood County Committee on Aging-Home Delivered Meals or to St. Patrick Church. Please view and sign our online "guest registry" at CoyleFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Donald F. Czerniak

October 29, 1937 - July 23, 2024