Donald Wayne Stinemetz

Donald W. Stinemetz, 68, died on November 22, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. Born and raised in Hill City, Kansas, Don was a fun-loving, kind-hearted man that never had an enemy until he was diagnosed with cancer in September 2014. Despite the battle, Don found joy in his circumstance, having quality family time during chemotherapy and getting to know the nurses and medical staff that treated him. Don lived out being an example of the kind of person you want to be. Don was the son of Fred and Muriel Stinemetz. Don married the former Maureen Rogers on September 7, 1968. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year with an intimate vow renewal ceremony pledging their love from beginning to end. Don is survived by his wife Maureen Stinemetz, their three children Jennifer Smith, Danielle Graham and Brian Stinemetz; three grandchildren, and his brother, Phil Stinemetz. Don attended Hill City High School and in his last trip to Hill City this past summer, attended his 50th high school reunion. One of his crowning achievements was earning his college degree from Northern Illinois University in 1990. During Don's successful career in telecommunications, he was often promoted and transferred, having lived in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas. Don started his college education in 1970 and each time he moved, many college credits did not transfer. True to his character, Don showed absolute determination to earn his college degree - when Don finally graduated with his bachelor's degree, he had enough actual credits for a doctor's degree! Don loved the Lord and his family. Though Don moved from Hill City, he never forgot where he came from and the values his parents' instilled. Don lived his life by those values, whether he was harvesting wheat or sitting in a corporate boardroom. Despite his business success, Don was humble and never too proud to show kindness to strangers, which he did often. He was a strong family man and a faithful friend. Don loved to cook and will always be remembered for his turtle cheesecake, chocolate chip pecan pie and his extraordinary Thanksgiving meals. Don will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Visitation will be on Monday, November 28th 2pm-7pm at Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, Kansas. Funeral services for Don will be held on Tuesday, November 29th 11:00 am at the Stinemetz Funeral Home in Hill City, Kansas. Burial will be in the Stinemetz family plot in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas. A celebration of life memorial will be held on Saturday, December 3rd 2016, 2:00 pm at Community of Hope Church, Marciopa AZ Online condolences can be given at www.samfhaz.com.