Donald Lazer Obituary

Our Friend Donald
The world is a better place that Don was able to live a long and fruitfull life, he may have outlived many of his loved ones and contemporaries, but he never slowed down in his quest to reach out to others. Over the years he experienced the great losses of his family, friends and Army buddies, but he never gave up on his desire to make mew friends and to contribute his kindness to the families of others. It's incrediable how this man has touched the hearts of so many throughout his life. His endearing faith and belief in his God was the foundation for a life of a man who sheparded the attributes of compassion and a genuine caring for others.
Who can say that after meeting with Don, that they didn't always feel just a little bit better about the rest of their day! Don was remakable in that he always took an interest in people, if he met you once he would remember your face and your name from thereafter. He would always greet you with a smile and trademark handshake that always included both hands!
I had the pleasure of first meeting Don when I was a teenager at his store in Deerfield, a few years later, after starting my own painting business, I would become one of his many loyal customers. Our business association grew into a friendship that has lasted to this day. I'll certainly cherish the fine conversations, his advice and the genuine character of this fine man. His big heart extended into my family and for this I am also grateful, as my wife and children have also shared knowing him. As we can see from others who have written in this guest book that Don's extended family was large, the ages of the people who cared about him spanned decades, for his friends were both young and old! We have all lost a dear friend, but the light of the spirit in each of us glows a bit brighter because of him. With fond rememberances and Love, The Visoky Family, George, Mary Ann, Carla and Victor.

Previously, I added a poem to the Guest Book. However, I felt I needed to share some of my special memories of Donald.

My family will dearly miss Donald. He has been a part of my family since before I was born. I will always remember the Christmas Parties at Deerfield Paint in the basement. They were always so much fun and my sister and I always received "special" gifts from Mr. & Mrs. Garrity like nightgowns with our initials stitched into the white gowns and HUGE Raggedy Ann dolls. I always remember visiting my dad and Donald at work. Donald would always be talking with a customer and my father would always be working on either framing a picture or mixing paint for someone. Then, we would get to walk over to the flower shop and visit the ladies there. My most recent memory of actually both Donald and LaVera was on October 19, 2002 when they were both able to attend my wedding. Donald got up and danced with everyone! And I was lucky enough to have a "special" dance with just him. He will always be remembered and loved!

We heard that Don has recieved his wings and has been ask to be come be with the lord. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He was one of our residents at Victory lake assisted living. We really enjoy the time that we had with him. We will dearly miss him. Cathy Gunterman CNA

Dear Family of Don,

I loved your uncle and cousin so very much! My every thought of him brings a smile to my face, a caption to my mind, a prayer to my lips, and numerous beats of love, joy and gratitude pulsating from my heart! No lie! I thank God for having introduced me to Don Lazer on my journey of faith! I met him some years ago at the "little old country church" in Wadsworth (The Church of St. Patrick)and at the Marytown Shrine in Libertyville. I "bonded" immediately to Don because of his great devotion to the Real Presence of Our Sacred Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, because of his true devotion to Blessed Mother Mary, and because of his strong devotion to Jesus as Divine Mercy.
Yes, Don's legacy to all of us is his orthodox Roman Catholic Faith! Don truly was, throughout his life, "an evangelist of God's Merciful Love, a prayer warrior, and a holy servant of Jesus, Crucified Love".
Now, I pray that Our Gracious God will bestow upon you, Don's family members, and upon us, his friends, continual spiritual and temporal blessings through his Don's continuing prayers of intercession. Besides being so devoted to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and to the Holy Rosary, I will also remember Don for his devotion in praying the Divine Mercy chaplet.

With all my "hugs" and prayers of love, joy and gratitude to God for the beautiful and inspiring life of Don Lazer,

I worked for Don at the paint store in Deerfield. He was a great man and very generous. He taught me alot and had a great sense of humor.
I would recieve a card every year from him. He will be missed.

To Kathy and the rest of the family of Donald you have my prayers and sympathy. Donald was like a dad to my husband and myself. Dick work with Donald in the paint store for many years. I remember the great times we had at the store Christmas parties. He came to all of my families special events, Baptisms, Graduation and Weddings. He was a very giving and a gentle man. He gave to his community by working at the soup kitchens. He was a dedicated son and brother to his mother and sister. May God watch over him and rejoin him with his family in Heaven. Until we meet again Don I will pray for you and fondly remember all the good times you gave to us. You will be missed greatly by many people. You will be welcomed into the arms of your loved ones in Heaven. Smile down on us and keep a watch over us. All our love the Gill Family. Kaye Gill

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

Our sympathy to family of Don we have known
him for many years. Most of my pictures have been framed by him when we lived in Deerfield. Now when living in Gurnee would pick him up to attend 40/8 meetings. A super friend. May he rest in peace.