Donald Marchand, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 25, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. Don was born November 25, 1935 in Metamora, Illinois to Cornelius and Gertrude (Schmitt) Marchand. He leaves behind an incredible legacy of love and family. Don married the love of his life, Shirley (Diekhoff) on June 9, 1956. Together, they shared a wonderful 64 years of marriage living in IL and FL, after retiring from Keystone Steel and Wire at the age of 50.
Don is survived by his 4 children, Randy Marchand (wife Lori, East Peoria, IL), Vicky Mathews (husband Bill, Orlando, FL), Steve Marchand (wife Staci, Dallas, TX), and Lynne Steen (fiancé' John, Phoenix, AZ). Don was also survived by his 8 grandchildren, Troy and Saylor Marchand, Janelle Kliener, Jabin and Dawson Botsford, Taylor and Logan Steen, and Christopher Marchand in addition to 8 great grandchildren.
Don, known by his siblings as "Sonny", was blessed and survived by all 7 of his brothers and sisters: Donna Kelsey, Rita Redenius, Jerry Marchand, Patty Alamasi, Eddie Marchand, Diana Dudley, and Linda Overholt as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Don loved to fish, loved to golf, loved life, and never knew a stranger. In his younger years he served on the school board, attended all his children's sporting events, was active in the Knights of Columbus and was an amazing handyman, able to fix anything, bought and managed an apartment and built his own house. He began working at Keystone at 18, right out of high school, with a goal to retire at 50, which he achieved.
He lived a full life loving his family, with a wit to the very end, laughed at himself, with blue eyes and a smile that lit up a room. He sadly suffered from Parkinson's in his final years, until he left this life for his new eternal home in heaven.
All are welcome to attend the Virtual Memorial service 1:30 to 2:30 pm eastern time (12:30 to 1:30 pm central time) on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Email vicky@choiceswomensclinic.com to receive the link or check Vicky Botsford Mathews Facebook page. A graveside service will be held in Metamora, IL in May.
The family is asking for your friendship and prayers during this season. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of a life well lived can be made to: Choices Women's Clinic, 1851 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804, which is a ministry/non-profit his daughter Vicky leads.
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