Donald Karl Vetter, age 66, died December 15, 2022 from complications of treatment for Leukemia.
Donald (known to his family and friends as Don) was born June 6, 1956 in Los Angeles, California to Hans and Evelyn Vetter. The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri where he graduated from Hazelwood High School. Don married his first wife of 32 years, Renee (Ross) Vetter, in 1985. They had their only child, daughter Hannah, in 1991. Don had a long and successful career, first as a lineman and later as a foreman, in the telecommunications industry. In retirement, Don and Renee moved to the Rutledge, Missouri area (near Renee's hometown of Memphis, Missouri). After Renee passed in 2018, He met his second wife, Deborah Gaj, volunteering at the monthly food bank in Memphis, Missouri. They were happily married in 2021.
Don is survived by his wife Deborah Gaj, his daughter Hannah (Andrew) Skoklo, and three sisters: Karen Dorfman, Anita Jean, and Paula Matousek.
Don was an avid outdoorsman, spending every free moment hunting or fishing. He was a proud member of the Baring Country Club, and also enjoyed fishing at Lake Showme. He never missed a turkey or deer season, and could often be found in the field with his son-in-law, Andrew. Outside of hunting and fishing, he enjoyed antiquing, berry picking, and traveling with his wife, Debbie. He brought much joy to the residents of the Scotland County Nursing Center by regularly visiting with his two beloved greyhounds, Cici and Sheila. Proud to be an American, he attended every Scotland County Memorial Day celebration without fail. Don was a musician, artist, handy-man, marksman, wild game cook, proud dad, and loving husband. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 29th from 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. at the Baring Country Club clubhouse at Baring, Missouri
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation's effort to support youth hunting, so that a new generation of outdoorsmen can thrive in Don's honor. Donations may be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St., Memphis, Missouri 63555 or submitted online at:
https://mochf.org/support-youth-hunting/
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