Donald Sarnecke 1939-2020 Age 80, of Crest Hill/Joliet and formerly of Chicago, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 6, 2020 after a long battle with lung cancer. Donald was born at home on July 31, 1939, minutes after his twin brother, Ronald was born to the late Virginia and Stanley Sarnecke of Chicago. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Jennifer (Gregory) Block, Lianne Sarnecke, Scott (Maria) Sarnecke, Jeffry Sarnecke and Eric (Tina) Sarnecke. He is also survived by his brother, Henry (Emily) Sarnecke and several grandchildren, Jason, Alexis (Kent) Gibson, Jesika, Brett, Kyle, Jacob and Daniela. He is survived by his first wife, Gloria (nee Banks) Lofton of Aurora, IL; also surviving is extended family, including cousins, nephews, nieces and his goddaughter/niece, Debra Kitowski. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gerald and Ronald; his sisters, Charlotte, Marion and Carolyn; an infant son, Douglas, with Gloria (nee Banks) in 1965. He was also preceded in death by his second wife, Margaret (nee Brown). Don was a very patriotic veteran of the US Navy, having served aboard the USS Wasp CVS-18 from 1956 to 1962 as a Seaman Boatswain Mate. He was a retired chairman of the Destroyer Escort Squadron Association for Northern Illinois for the past ten years, where veterans from as far back as WWII continue to meet six times a year at Larry's Diner in Plainfield. One of their focuses is the renovation of the USS Slater located in Albany, NY where money is raised monthly for the restoration. He attended many Navy reunions around the country and was the chairman for the 2014 Chicago Reunion. He decorated for every patriotic holiday and that tradition is being carried on by his friends and family. Some of his passions in life were going to watch his grandchildren's sporting events. He was also an avid Chicago sports fan, who missed the 1959 White Sox World Series due to being out at sea. This made the 2005 White Sox World Series win to him even more special that year. He was fortunate to see every Chicago team win a championship. He would often joke with his sister, Marion, whether it would be the Bears or the Vikings to win a football game. He also owned over 59 cars during his lifetime. He enjoyed going to "old car" shows, especially the one in Plainfield, IL where he could name specific details of each make and model, like how many were made and what colors. His favorite establishments were Denny"s, where the waitresses would hug him every time he went there, Texas Roadhouse bartenders and managers, who were very supportive fundraisers for his DESA group and Larry's Diner, where his meetings were held. Other passions he loved were Karaoke, dancing at the Willowbrook Ballroom and at weddings. He made a lot of woodcrafts, especially for Christmas which he would give away as gifts. Donald and his twin brother, Ronald won awards for their very large Christmas displays. He loved going to downtown Chicago at Christmas and to visit Navy Pier and the lakefront. Highlights in his life were attending a Celine Dion concert, where he watched and sang along from the 2nd row, watching TV shows, like Friends, Married with Children, the Weather Channel and Wheel of Fortune. More highlights in his life included walking his granddaughter Alexis down the aisle at her wedding, working on model planes with Jason. He always had some sage advice on life, pointing and shaking his finger at you saying "You need to listen to Grampy." He watched every space launch since the 1960's, including the SpaceX launch, a few days before his passing. Don was known for his bubbly personality, especially his smiles. The day before his passing, he smiled 2 big smiles for his daughter, Lianne, which she will forever remember. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from 2 – 4 P.M. at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home and Crematory in Joliet. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic CDC guidelines will be observed, all attending will be required to wear facemasks, observe social distancing and including limiting the number of visitors in the funeral home at a time during the visitation. Inurnment and military services will be held on a future date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, 220 West Monroe St. STE 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606 in Don's memory. For information (815) 744-0022 or www.CHSFUNERAL.COM.