Donald U. Kiser, 70, of Marblehead and formerly of Fremont passed away Thursday, December 7, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born November 8, 1953 in Fremont, the son of Herbert and Felista “Smitty” (Smith) Kiser. He married Judy Boytim on November 30, 1985. Don owned and operated Kiser Brothers Plumbing & Heating in Fremont, OH for many years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marblehead, OH. Don loved boating, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was always willing to help anyone with anything, big or small, and greatly enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity.
Surviving are his wife: Judy; daughter: Jessica (Derek) Williamson of New Glarus, WI; sons: Matthew (Megan Daniels) Kiser of Waterford, MI, Zachary (Megan Mitchell) Kiser of Streetsboro, OH; grandchildren: Ava, Ari, Maddy, Gabby; sisters: Janet Kiser, SND, Karen (Mike) Lowery, Joan Kiser, Marcia (Leo) Mapus; sister-in-law: Angie Kiser; brothers-in-law: Tom Boytim and Jim (Tina) Boytim. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Tom (Phyllis), Bill, John, and Jeff Kiser.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Joseph Szybka at 11:00 am Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 822 Barclay St. Marblehead, OH with visitation at the church from 10:00 am until the mass. There will be no bereavement meal and a celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be given to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or Habitat for Humanity of Ottawa County, 161 W. Water St. Suite B, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neideckercrosserpriesman.com. Neidecker, Crosser & Priesman Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peninsula Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.
Thoughts and Memories of Don Kiser
Don was always too humble to ask for help himself, but was always ready, willing, and able to help anyone in need. You could always count on him to help you move, build something, or fix anything that was broken. He drove as far as Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Streetsboro countless times to help his kids around their houses. Don never expected anything in return from anyone, knowing he was able to be of some help was payment enough.
One of Don’s goals was to learn how to dance. He and Judy took dance lessons for many years and attended several dances. It took a lot of practice and patience, but Judy eventually learned to let him lead, and when she realized what a great leader he was, she followed him, and they really cut a rug!
The kids fondly remember riding in the bed of his pickup truck to their dad’s shop, and he continued that tradition giving the grandkids truck rides from the cottage to the boat dock. Growing up, anytime the kids wanted to do something questionable, they would ask their dad for permission. He was more likely to say ‘Yes’, and typically added, ‘Don’t tell your mom!’
The entire family looked forward to their yearly trip to Cedar Point. Dad had the kids stuff their shoes with extra socks to give them that extra half inch to be tall enough to ride the big rides with him. Since mom didn’t ride rides, the kids and grandkids got to fight over who got to sit next to dad!
Don started boating at his parent’s cottage at Nugent’s in Port Clinton and enjoyed taking his kids there on weekends as they grew. He would drive his dad’s boat with the kids and even let them drive, teach them how to waterski, and helped them fish off the dock. They all relied on their dad to bait the hook and take the fish off, and the grandkids enjoyed his help with that this past summer too!
Don was always up for a boat ride on the lake, and loved stopping at the sand bar to swim, throw a frisbee, or play in the sand with his granddaughters.
He enjoyed perch fishing off the Sandusky coal docks and Marblehead lighthouse but would go as far as Kelly’s Island to find the fish biting.
When the lake was too rough for boating, he would drive to different golf courses every week throughout the summer.
After retiring and moving to his new home in Marblehead, Don started volunteering for the Ottawa County Habitat for Humanity where he could carry on his passion for staying active and helping others. He was happy to have been able to volunteer even into this past year.
His grand dog Chuck Norris was very special to him. Whenever Jess brought Chuck to town he would run straight to Don for attention and to play. He could always count on Don to feed him off his plate when Judy would not. One of his last wishes was to see Chuck one last time, and he got his wish last week.
Don was not a big talker, and you could always tell when he had had enough coffee and company, as he would just get up and walk away, even if just to pull weeds in the summer or tinker in the garage in the winter. Don could never sit still for very long but found relaxation in being active.
His favorite saying was ‘T-T-F-N, ta ta for now.’ Whenever the granddaughters got in the van to head home after a fun weekend, he would say T-T-F-N, and they would shout, ta ta for now! So, to all my family and friends, I say… Ta ta for now!
