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Don Streitz, 89

Don Streitz, 89

Don Streitz, 89

Don Streitz, 89, passed away at his home in Hendersonville on February 27, 2017. He spent his first 75 years in California, born in Madera, growing up and graduating from high school in Livermore. He met and married Bonita Jean Wheeler in 1948. They settled in nearby Pleasanton in 1952 and were married for 28 years. He worked at Kaiser Sand & Gravel for over 30 years and was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 3 for almost 72 years. His early retirement years were spent living in the Silicon Valley. His last 16 years were spent in North Carolina as a content homeowner who had the great good fortune to find true friendship and camaraderie with the longtime local residents who gathered at Junk’s Junk Shop every morning. His great friend Charlie Case of East Flat Rock dubbed him “Duck,” a nickname that stuck. Charlie and Duck enjoyed going to lunch together at Orr’s Family Restaurant for many years. Don and his children shared a great affection for his adopted hometown and for his wonderful housekeeper and friend, Ginny.

Don was a man of many talents and supremely ingenious. Always mechanically inclined, he had a lifelong love of collecting and tinkering. He also enjoyed reading and learning about new and varied subjects. He was never afraid or hesitant to help a stranger in need. His children will always remember how gracefully he moved, how hard he worked, and his years of extraordinary vitality. He will be deeply missed.

Don is survived by his children, Steven of Sun City, CA, Kay of Oakland, CA, and Dana Ford of Danville, CA; granddaughter, Phaedra Wilson; and great-grandchildren Alexander and Isabelle of New Brighton, MN. He is also survived by his brother Robert Streitz of Elk Grove, CA and good friend Brad Johnston of Berkeley, CA.

Private services were held in Livermore, CA

To offer online condolences, please visit www.shulerfuneralhome.com. Shuler Funeral Home assisted the family.