Obituary

Donald Joseph Straka of Goodyear, AZ passed away January 9, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. He was born April 13, 1948 to Sylvia (Wronski) Straka and Edward Straka in Germantown, WI. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Patricia (Sowards) Straka. Additional surviving family members include Aunt Marie Wronski, sisters Christine (Straka) Weimann and Theresa (Straka) Czeslowski, his daughters Dawn Alexander (Pete), Peggysue Fromm (Earl), Cynthia Schultz (Andrew), and eight grandchildren.

Don retired as a decorated US Navy Commander. His naval career included earning his Engineering degree from Marquette University under the NESEP program, multiple sea tours and deployment for Desert Sheild/Storm. After his military retirement he continued his career in the engineering field at Niagara Mohawk then Palo Verde before he happily fully retired. Don was a well-known Miller Lite connoisseur who enjoyed many evenings at Happy Hour with his Canta Mia cooking club. A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, he never missed a game. As an animal lover he adopted several dogs and will be missed by his best furry friends Rosie and Ally. Don will be dearly missed and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to VFW Post 6310 c/o Rich Durso, PO Box 1178, Tolleson, AZ 85353; or America Freedom Paws, Goodyear, AZ (paypal americasfreedompaws@gmail.com).

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5 responses to Donald Joseph Straka

Patti & Dale Schmitt says:

January 14, 2021

Our deepest sympathy to Pat, his daughters, and many friends he left behind. Canta Mia will certainly miss him.

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Terri and Ben says:

January 15, 2021

With deepest sympathy to Pat, Dawn, Sue and Cindy. At this moment it must feel like the loss is so large you will not get through it. Each passing day you find ways to take care of the business at hand. This is how time is starting it’s healing process. Don will not be forgotten. He is still in your mind and hearts forever.

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william altizer says:

January 18, 2021

He was a good man and sailor, he was my friend. May he put a smile on Gods face and tell good jokes.

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Judy Mellody says:

January 21, 2021

I worked with Don at Palo Verde for many years. He always had a smile on his face, was a great mentor and always was a pleasure to talk to and work with. My condolences to Pat and the family. May your memories of Don be a blessing.

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Warren Sepolen says:

February 25, 2022

Hello Family…

I was watching golf Channel and noticed the name “Straka “.

My name is Warren Sepolen. Don and I were in the Navy Nuclear Power Program and he was my good friend for over 2 years.

I was surprised to discover we both were in the Phoenix Area about the same time. I recently retired in Tucson after 20 yrs in Connecticut.

Don had a great smile that my parents loved when he was invited to dinner numerous occasions in Richmond while we were at Mare Island.

I just wanted to send my belated condolences.

Warren Sepolen

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