Donald G. Husek

Donald G. Husek ,75, died at Providence Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane on March 18. Don was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on May 19, 1940 to George and Mildred (Sehnoutka) Husek.

He graduated from Morgan Park Military Academy in 1958 and also from Ripon College in 1963. While at Ripon he was baptized into the Lutheran faith.

Don’s military service started at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as a platoon tank leader.

He served as Captain in the First Cavalry during Vietnam and was platoon leader of a helicopter unit. He was proud of his crew and was always ready for a rescue flight.

Don built a bly baby airplane while a member of the Fairbanks Experimental Aircraft Association.

He enjoyed fly fishing, especially casting his favorite spey rod, tying his own flies and intelligent conversations or debates as his brother in law Milt Kletke calls them.

Don married Elinore Kletke on October 20, 1984. They were fortunate enough to spend 31 years together while living in Fairbanks. Together they volunteered for the Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race as a winter project.

Don worked for the Fairbanks FAA Flight Station as a Flight Information Specialist until his retirement and was a Washington State VFW member.

Survivors are his wife Elinore of Ritzville, brothers in law: Milt Kletke of Colfax, Dennis and Mel Kletke of Ritzville; cousins: Jeanne Grabowski of Mason Neck, Virginia, and Mary Jo Scott of Alexandria.

Visitation will be Monday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville and followed by a Funeral Service at 1 p.m.

Burial will follow services at the Lind Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either Peace Lutheran Church 309 N. Lake St., Colfax, WA 99111 or the VFW/American Legion flag replacement fund or to a charity of your choice.