Donald A. St. John passed away on Monday, July 21, 2014, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg,
following a brief illness.
He was born on June 11, 1924, in Toledo, OH, the son of Albert and Rose (Siewert) St. John.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Virginia and sister Janette Harmon in 2008.
A proud "East Sider" he was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Waite
High School in 1942.
After high school Don joined the U. S. Navy, attained the rank of Ensign, obtained his wings, and served
as a naval flight instructor. Following the war, he returned home and attended the University of Toledo
graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. While attending the university, Don was a
member of Sigma Beta Phi fraternity.
Don began his working career at Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company, Plant #6 in Rossford, Ohio while still
in college. It was at the Rossford plant that he met Mary Jane Kistler.
On April 16, 1948 Don and Mary Jane were united in a marriage that has lasted 66 years and she survives.
Together they have two children, Robert (Maureen) St. John and Susan (Robert) Brown; four grandchildren,
David (Jeanette) Brown, Michelle (Robert) St. John-Brunner, Marc St. John and Michael St. John; and
three great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Sydney Brown and Isla Brunner.
A registered professional engineer, Don’s career at the Rossford plant of Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company
spanned 34 years. He began working in the Plant Engineering Department and was promoted into numerous
plant maintenance and engineering functions early in his career. In 1969, he made the transition from
engineering to plant management, and ultimately retired as Rossford Plant Manager in 1983. The Rossford
plant was the site of numerous automotive glass innovations during Don’s career and he was very proud to
have been a member of the Rossford team.
Following his career at LOF, Don worked for the Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Technical Transfer
Organization in conjunction with Owens Technical College as an industrial consultant to small businesses
promoting the use of Ohio’s colleges and universities as resources. He also served on the Board of
Directors of Farmer’s Savings Bank.
Upon retirement, Don and Mary Jane relocated to central Florida, residing for nine years at the Swiss
Golf and Tennis Club in Winter Haven, Florida. They returned to Perrysburg to be closer to family and
more easily follow the grandkids’ school and sporting events. They are long-time members of Zoar
Lutheran Church, Perrysburg.
Don enjoyed traveling, boating and fishing, and especially enjoyed a round of golf. He was a past member
of Chippewa Country Club and recorded an amazing seven holes-in-one over his lifetime.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the love and care provided to
Don during his recent stay. Additionally, we would like to thank the medical care providers who tended
to Don during his recent hospital stays at both St. Luke’s and Bay Park hospitals.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E.
Indiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH, with Pastor Timothy Philabaum officiating.
A reception will follow the service at the church.
Interment will be private at Fort Meigs Union Cemetery and there will be no visitation.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy in Donald’s name are asked to consider Zoar Lutheran
Church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Arrangements are being handled by the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Perrysburg, Ohio (419-874-3133).
Condolences to the family may be made by visiting www.witzlershankfuneralhome.com.
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