Donald “Don” Wayne Semmern

10/18/1929 — 04/15/2021

Graveside

Starts:
Mon, April 19, 2021, 11:00 am
Ends:
Mon, April 19, 2021, 12:00 pm
Location:
Sunset Gardens
915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352

Donald “Don” Wayne Semmern

Donald Wayne Semmern

   1929 – 2021

 

There is a joyous reunion in Heaven and it started April 15, 2021, when Don was called to be with The Lord. Waiting for him was his amazing wife of 55 years, Marie – his Mom and Dad, Henry and Elsa Semmern – his sister, Carol Hamilton – her husband Jack – his brother, Hank –his sons, Rocky and Steve – and his loving granddaughter, Samantha.

Don is survived by his loving daughter, Cindy VanWyck – her husband Jim –  loving granddaughter, Julee VanWyck Merrill – her husband Jayson – great granddaughters, Jaylee Merrill and Jensen Merrill – granddaughter Amy Schroeder – great grandsons Laiten Schroeder, Landen Schroeder and Luke Schroeder – granddaughter Crissa Fastabend – great grandsons Hunter Cazier and Cole Cazier.

Don was born in Tacoma, Washington. He and his brother, Hank, were standout pitchers at Stadium High School and at the College of Puget Sound (now University of Puget Sound). He and Marie moved to Richland in 1952 after Cindy was born. He worked for several companies as a systems analyst until he retired in 1992.

Don was a champion golfer. He was a member of West Richland Golf Club and, later, Meadow Springs Country Club. He won numerous tournaments locally and across the Northwest. He was also an excellent softball player. Perhaps his greatest passion (after his Family and his Faith) was refereeing basketball. He worked all over the State of Washington calling games for high schools and small colleges including State High School Championships at Edmundson Pavilion in Seattle. He had to be careful since Richland would often be in the tournament and Don, along with his buddy and refereeing partner, Orv Marcum, never wanted it to be said they were biased.

Don, Marie, and the entire Semmern family were members of Redeemer Lutheran Church starting in 1952.Their faith in God was undeniable. We all rejoice, knowing that they are together again, wrapped in the arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Cindy and her family wish to thank the staff and caregivers at Prestige Assisted Living in Richland for the loving care they provided to Don. Thank you to Pastor Todd Schroeder for his love, his friendship and his spiritual guidance. Thank you to Sarah Smith and the staff at Einan’s at Sunset. Deep thanks to Dick and Megan Cartmell for being such great friends and Guardian Angels to Don.

The joyful reunion started last Thursday. It will continue forever.

Guestbook for

Donald “Don” Wayne Semmern

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

PUBLIC ENTRY

Your guestbook entry will be visible to the public.

  • Donny was a beaut. Growing up at Shammy he was a cross between one of the kids, guys and a father/mentor figure. Tons and tons of good times and stories. Keep nothing but great memories of him, Jimmy and Cindy and the rest of the fam. They’re waiting for ya right now in heaven with open arms. Go and get another club championship, Snort.
    Your friend, Bix

    Jim & Sharon
    April 24, 2021
    Richland
  • Don was a great friend during my years of work with UNC Nuclear Industries. We enjoyed discussing the stock market, and he even gave me a few excellent tips on my golf game. He always had a smile and a kind word. Condolences to the family!

    Lowell Barber
    April 20, 2021
    Richland
  • Call Now Button