Donald J. Macke, 87, passed away on November 19, 2019, at his home, in Seneca, Kansas, surrounded by his loving family.

Don was born at the Henry Macke home, on April 14, 1932, Baileyville, Kansas; the youngest child of Frank and Katie (Enneking) Macke. He attended Baileyville and St. Benedict schools. He worked on the family farm growing up fixing fence, cleaning the chicken coop and farming. He also helped his mom in the home. Don joined the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Korea. He was stationed N of Seoul by the 38th Parallel until the cease-fire was called. He was honorably discharged in 1953.

He married Alice A. (Mulroy) Macke on June 12, 1956, at St. James Catholic Church, Wetmore, Kansas. They were blessed to share 63 years of marriage together, making their first home at a tiny apartment in Seneca, and later at the family farm north of Baileyville, Kansas, where they raised four children. In 1992, they later returned to Seneca, Kansas.

He also worked for Heine Macke and Winterscheidt Milling. After returning from Korea, he helped with harvesting in Plainville, KS with his brother Bud (Leo), worked for Wassenberg Construction and farmed the family farm. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Benedict, KS and later a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca, Kansa. He served as a member of the church council, usher and also volunteered at many church picnics. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and the VFW, where he organized and helped with stag dinners, participated in many local parades and military honors funerals. He also aided at the Veteran’s and Memorial Day activities. He served as chaplain, quartermaster and commander of the VFW. He was also instrumental in the forming of RWD#2. He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, family get-togethers, traveling and visiting the casino. He also enjoyed attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He had an ability to connect with people, and he never saw anyone as a stranger, only a friend to be made. His faith led him through his short journey with cancer with grace and acceptance. We will always carry your memory in our hearts.

Don’s wife and family were the light and joy of his life. His survivors include his loving wife of 63 years,
Alice; children: Brenda (Randy)Wessel, Elkhorn, NE; Dan (Sherry) Macke, Topeka, KS; Bob (Brenda) Macke, Baileyville, KS; and Kris (Jeff) Porting, Axtell, KS; grandchildren: Kacie Hinze and Ryan Wessel, Zach and Tyler Macke, Brandon and Jamison Macke; and Katie, Derek and Blake Porting; great-grandchildren: Ellie, Eva and Charlie Hinze, and Elden and Nora Wessel and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Katie Macke; sisters: Marie Bergman, Leona Lierz, Clara Beasley and his brother Bud (Leo) Macke.

Rosaries will be prayed at 2 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The funeral mass is at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca. Burial service with military honors will be held at the catholic cemetery following mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Veteran’s Wall, VFW and American Legion.