Donald Howard Netzer

Donald Howard Netzer, 77, passed away February 13, 2026, after a nearly six-month battle with a still undiagnosed disease. He was born on September 3, 1948, in Vermont, Illinois to Marjorie and Robert Netzer, the fifth and final of the Netzer clan.

Don is survived by his wife, Jean, his daughters Michele Lotspeich and Jennifer Spencer, his son-in-law Jason Spencer, his ‘daughter by choice’ Jordan Netzer and his daughter-in-law Sarah Netzer. His other great loves were each of his grandchildren: Hayden Lotspeich, Garrett Lotspeich, Abigail Spencer, Jake Spencer, Lucy Netzer, Micah Netzer, Cassie Netzer and Alexandria Netzer. He wanted so much to greet his first great grandchild, Sage Kathleen Spencer, but God had other plans.

As the ‘baby’ of the family, he was so loved by his surviving sisters, Jeanine Greene, Beverly Netzer, Susie Davies and his brother-in-law Larry Davies.

Preceding Don in death are his parents, Bob and Marj, niece Marcia Reynolds, niece Sherri Carr, brother Bernard Netzer, nephew Robert Davies and his beloved son Matthew Netzer.

As a young man, Don served as a medic in the United States Army. He went on to receive his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Florida and, of course, became a lifelong Gator fan. Don built a successful 29-year career as an executive at Abbott Laboratories while also being a single father to three beautiful kids. To this day, no-one has quite figured out how he did it all, but he did it with dedication, compassion, love and a whole lot of humor.

After achieving his plan to retire by age 55, he headed directly to the golf course with his buddies. He planned the annual Myrtle Beach Golf outing for 21 years in a row and loved every minute of it. His other love was to travel with his wife and friends in their motorhome. He was blessed to see some of the most beautiful areas this country has to offer.

If Don could choose what to be remembered for, it would be for his unending love for his wife, children and grandchildren, his passion for helping others, his ‘squeeze’ contests with his grandkids, his off-key ‘Happy Birthday’ calls to both family and friends, his silly jokes and pranks, the deep affection he held for his many, many friends and his love for life. His passing has left a giant hole in our hearts that may never heal.

But, of course, if Don were here, he would end this with “HAVE FUN !!!".