Obituary of Donald J. Fechko

Donald, age 77, passed away at his lifetime home following an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease and congestive heart failure. Please click on the link below to watch video tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=8087 Donald was born to Mike and Anna Fechko of Tacoma, WA at the family home on Steele Street. Don had two older brothers, Richard and Jim. Don and his wife, Dorothy, were married in 1951 and had three children, Margaret A. Eckler (Marty) of Fox Island, Donald E. Fechko of Gig Harbor, and Michael D. Fechko (Jeannine) of Sammamish. Don also has 4 wonderful grandchildren that he enjoyed at every opportunity: Maria, DJ (Donald), Zach and Tori. Don graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. He served in the Armed Forces from January 1952, transferred to the Army Reserve in 1953, and was discharged in 1960. He completed basic and advanced armor training at Fort Knox, KY and was assigned to Fort Richardson, near Anchorage AK. Where his wife joined him. His duty station was Elmendorf Air Force Base where he was assigned to a 40 MM. Anti-Aircraft gun emplacement. Don often remarked that being in Alaska was some of the best times of their life. After leaving the armed forces, Don returned to work at Buffelen Woodworking Co., retiring in 1982. In 1968 the decision was made to move the family house across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to property in Gig Harbor. He and Dorothy lovingly turned it into a home for themselves and their three children. He always said, “I was born in this house, I have lived in it all of my life, and I want to die in this house”. With the help of Hospice, he did. Honoring his wishes, no formal services will be held. A reception will be held at St. Nicholas Church in Gig Harbor, WA on Saturday, March 31st at 1:00 p.m. We would like to thank all of the many home health care nurses from Puget Sound Home Health, Gentiva, and MultiCare Hospice and Palliative Care Services. A special thanks to his “guardian angel”, Karen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center C/o Evergreen Healthcare Foundation 12910 Totem Lake Blvd Kirkland, WA 98034 MultiCare Hospice & Palliative Care Svs. PO Box 5299 A3-MHOT Tacoma, WA 98415