Don E. Netzel

Don E. Netzel, 93, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, following a short illness. Born on October 7, 1931, in Kankakee, IL, Don lived a long and full life devoted to family and community.

Don was the beloved husband of Marilyn (Mylor) Netzel, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage. He is survived by his three children: Natalie Stacker (Peter) of Lincolnshire, IL; Denise Schaenzer (Tom) of Oxford, MI; and Quin Netzel (Dodi) of Jacksonville, FL. He was a proud grandfather to Meg Stacker King (Corey), Brenann Stacker, Eryn Stacker Stephens (Derek), Cole Schaenzer, Brad Schaenzer, Max Netzel (Emily), and Olivia Netzel. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Tau King, Rue King, and Shay Stephens. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Cheryl Lynn, and his parents Emory and Lillian Netzel of Kankakee and two sisters, Marilynn J Netzel of Kankakee and Janice Netzel Holmes of St. Anne, IL.

A graduate of Kankakee High School, Class of 1949, Don attended Illinois Wesleyan University before earning a degree in law from the University of Illinois in 1954. He served his country honorably as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany from 1955 to 1956.

Don returned home to join the family business as co-owner of Netzel Lincoln Mercury in Kankakee, where he worked for 16 years. His career spanned several industries and leadership roles, including his position as a Major in the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department (1974–1978), Franchise Executive for TCI Cable, and later as a consultant for the Chicago and Wisconsin Lincoln-Mercury Dealers’ Associations until his retirement.

Don was a member of the Kankakee Police & Fire Commissions from 1986 to 1994. He gave his time generously to numerous organizations, including the Kankakee Kiwanis Club, Kankakee Moose Lodge, and the Parent/Teacher Organization of the Kankakee School District. He also served as Chairman of the Administrative Board for Asbury United Methodist Church. In Jacksonville, he volunteered on the Architectural Review Board of Sweetwater by Del Webb, where he and Marilyn lived.

Don was inducted into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in recognition of his commitment to public and civic life.

In 2009, Don and Marilyn relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where they continued to enjoy time with family and friends.

A private family service will be held.