Donald Arthur Haedicke's Obituary
DONALD ARTHUR HAEDICKE 1924-2014 (age 89)With his family at his side, Donald Arthur Haedicke went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 24, 2014. Born in Reno Nevada to Reverend Frank and Viola Haedicke on December 18, 1924, they soon moved to Oakland, California where his father was called to start Redeemer Lutheran Church. During the years that followed, he grew into a young man enjoying summers at their Pinecrest Lake Cabin, Sports, especially street-hockey on roller skates with his friends, many outdoor activities, and spending time with his family. He always had a desire to learn and attending Oakland schools and Concordia College helped to prepare him for the great man he grew to be.In May of 1942, his country needed him. He and his best friend, Duane, joined the U.S. Coast Guard. They would eventually be stationed on the Island of Oahu in Hawaii. In May of 1945, being Honorably Discharged, they both would return with the idea of going into the mortuary business. That thought quickly changed for both, and Don became a dispensing optician at Bay Cities Optical.During this time, Don met his bride, Lucille Dietz of Castro Valley, at choir practice one night at church. That chance meeting blossomed into a wonderful 65-year marriage, and a family whom he loved and adored.Don worked hard at everything he set out to do. He went from being a dispensing optician to the general manager and owner of Franklin Optical Company, working for 44 years before retiring. Even more important to him were his wife and children. He lived for family gatherings, holiday dinners, fun times at Pinecrest, vacations at Yosemite, travels with his family throughout the country, and later, with his wife, throughout the world.Don loved his country and especially his community, giving of his time and talents to Kiwanis, Hundred Club of Alameda County, Eden Hospital Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Scouting, and many other volunteer organizations. The San Leandro Kiwanis Club was by far, his greatest pride and joy. Known as “Mr. Kiwanis,” he provided his skilled leadership and his keen sense of organization as a Club President, District and Division Officers, and Lt. Governor. He was honored with several awards including the Dunlap Award in 2006, and with his 50 Year Service Pin in 2013.His love for cooking found him at the BBQ at all family gatherings. It also found him heading up the annual San Leandro Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Breakfasts and Crabfeeds. He also was the head cook for Boy Scout Troop 733 on their 50-mile hike through the back country of Yosemite. His love for the outdoors quite often took him to the lake at Pinecrest and he’d always bring back trout for breakfast!He loved life, family, and always cherished having a good time wherever he went. His many friends always looked forward to a visit from him. He was especially happy when his grandkids and great-grandkids would come for a visit, and they did often. He would wear a smile from ear to ear with pride.Don was preceded in death by his parents, Reverend Frank and Viola Haedicke, his sister, Jean (McCall), and brother-in-law, Tom McCall.He is survived by his wife, Lucille, son, Ron, daughter, Kathy Johnson, son-in-law, Walter Johnson (John), grandchildren, Michelle (and husband, Robert) Duncan, and Michael (and wife, Sheryl) Johnson, great-grandchildren, Hannah and Olivia Duncan, and Hayden and Keegan Johnson, nephew, Scott McCall, and niece, Julie McCall-Sandhoffer.A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544 at 10:00 AM, Monday, February 3, 2014 with entombment at the Circle of Life Mausoleum – Chapel of the Chimes immediately following.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kiwanis Club of San Leandro Foundation, Frank Ivaca, Treasurer. 3160 Castro Valley Blvd, #228, Castro Valley California 94546.A great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and “Mr. Kiwanis” will be missed but never forgotten!
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