John Donald Gedart

John Donald was born November 7, 1929 in Chicago, IL the son of John Dominic and Stella Julia (Balsis) Gedart. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from St. Rita High School. Don attended the University of Cincinnati for two years and then joined the U.S. Air Force. He served for seven years.

After his time in the service he returned to college at Northern Illinois University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree. On February 7, 1959 Don was joined in marriage to Audrey Paula Herbert at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Melrose Park, IL. Don started work in accounting with Controls Company of America, Schiller Park, IL, Midwest Business Associates, Oak Park, IL and Richardson Ink in Melrose Park, IL. He then went to work for Danis Industries in Dayton, OH where he became President of 13 companies. In the evenings Don continued his education and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago and earned his Certified Public Accounting license. In 1980, Don purchased an accounting business that he owned and operated for 12 years in Springdale, OH. Upon his retirement in 1992 Don and Audrey moved to Tarpon Springs, FL where Don began to do seasonal tax work for an accounting firm. He continued doing this seasonal work and maintained his CPA license to the present time. Don was a member of Rotary, Knights of Columbus, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Engineer’s Club of Dayton, OH, and served as President of the Sacred Heart School Board. He enjoyed fishing, reading and was an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Audrey; five sons, Robert (Julie) of Dayton, OH, Gary (Teri Wilkie) of Hayward, WI, Brian (Julie) of Springboro, OH, Lawrence of Dayton, OH, Richard (Kelli) of Hanover, MN; six grandchildren, Megan, John, Ryan, Brandon, Jackson and Mara; and many nieces, nephews and God children.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hayward with Father Philip Juza officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Interment will be at a later time at the St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL. Casket bearers will be Brandon Gedart, Jackson Gedart, John Gedart, Ryan Gedart, and James Catanzaro. Memorials may be directed to the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Library, PO Box 917, Hayward, WI.