Donald William "Whitey" Unterbrink
September 2, 1923 — February 8, 2008
84, of Van Wert, died at 6:00 PM Friday, February 8, 2008, at his residence.
He was born September 2, 1923, in Cloverdale, Ohio, the of Bernard W. and Lucy (Heckman) Unterbrink. On August 21, 1948, he married Patty Lou DeBolt who preceded him in death on Feb. 28, 2005.
Survivors include his children, Gregory W. (Mary) Unterbrink of Van Wert, Sandra K.U. Young of Convoy, Diana S. Williamson of Van Wert, and Daniel T. (Jennifer) Unterbrink of Delaware, Ohio. His 5 Grandchildren: Shane Williamson, Roxanne Unterbrink, Cassie Young, Mari Young, and Benjamin Unterbrink. Also, surviving are his siblings Victoria Rhoades, Ruth Putman, Ralph (Denise) Unterbrink, Bernadette Poling, Julie (Roger) Hoersten, Carol Gribler, Linus(Joyce)Unterbrink, and many Nieces & Nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his infant son, David, his son-in-law, Ned L. Young, as well as his brothers Lou, Alphonse, and Walter Unterbrink.
Donald, a 1942 graduate of Van Wert High School, was a previous owner of Millie's Restaurant in Ottoville. He and his brothers had once owned the original Olympic Lanes which was on the corner of Central and Walnut in Van Wert. Their cousin, Art Droll, bought them out and when he relocated the bowling alley kept the name Olympic Lanes. Whitey also had been employed at the Elks Lodge and Bar 30 as Steward and at the Crescent Laundry. He retired in 1991 as the manager of the Laundry Services at the Marsh Foundation.
Donald was a lifetime member of Van Wert Elks Lodge 1197 and Moose Lodge 1320 and was a member of St. Marys of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wed., Feb. 13, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery Van Wert.
Friends may call at Brickner Funeral Home Tues. Feb. 12 from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8. An Elks Memorial Service will be held at 7:45 PM followed by the Rosary at 8:00 PM.
Preferred Memorials are to the Van Wert Community Health Professionals-Hospice Program.