WIEDEMAN, Don R.

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, September 29, 2012 Don R. Wiedeman was taken home by our Lord on Sept. 19, 2012, after an illness. He was born March 10, 1925. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy immediately after high school graduation. He swam competitively for the Navy while in training as a pilot. He was commissioned as an officer, entering service in WWII as a Naval aviator flying SBD "Dauntless" aircraft. Subsequent to the war and after several years in the naval reserve, he worked as a manager for Collins Radio and then RCA. He left to start and run several of his own businesses, applying innovative approaches to fabricate specialty mechanical parts and fulfilling a lifelong dream of running his own business. Always with unbounded optimism, faith in the Lord, a strong sense of ethics, and hard work, he met a multitude of challenges to solve problems for customers and provide good jobs for the employees. He gave more than he got and never with an unkind word or words spoken in anger. During this work, he made time to build a family with his wife, Gloria, raise four children and engage in countless volunteer activities. On a trip west, he and Gloria fell in love with Prescott, Ariz., and decided to retire there. For years, he was a regular fixture on the local racquetball courts of Prescott, participating in many tournaments and senior Olympic competitions. He liked to win and he very often did, but took his losses with grace and his wins with humility. Most of all, he just liked being with others. He was active in his church and so greatly appreciated and enjoyed the loving friendship of so many there. He is survived by his wife Gloria; his four children; and nine grandchildren. We will all miss him greatly as a role model, loving husband, father and a wonderful person. Information provided by survivors. ~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, October 13, 2012 Don R. Wiedeman, born March 10, 1925, passed away Sept. 19, 2012. Services will be 2 p.m. Oct. 20, 2012, at the American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive in Prescott, Ariz.