Donald Richard Selzer, 86, passed away Tuesday morning, August 6, 2013 at Parkside Villa in Middleburg Heights, from congestive heart failure and complications after having pneumonia in early July. He was born June 19, 1927 in Medina, to the late John W. and Grace I. (Fleck) Selzer.
He graduated from Medina High School and was a member of the FFA (future farmers of America). He was drafted into the Army January 13, 1946 and was stationed in Italy and Europe as a part of the 350th infantry and 88th infantry division as an auto mechanic. He was called home to help his father with their multiple farms August 30, 1947. Don married Katherine Marie Shields of Hockingport, Ohio, December 9, 1949. They moved in with Don’s father and then moved into family property across the street at 4416 Paradise Road Seville, so he could continue to work the fields, milk 20-30 cows, feed pigs, chickens and beef cattle for himself and his father John. They had one daughter Brenda in 1954. Don continued to work on his father’s farms and drive school buses for Medina until May 3, 1965 when he began a new career at General Motors Parma, where he worked in prop shaft and the transmission departments until August 1, 1989, some knew him as Shorty. Don and Katherine sold their 39 acres of farmland and moved to Strongsville to be closer to Don’s work in the mid 1970′s.
He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Mike) Kotnik; daughter, Brenda (Lee) Roby; and granddaughter, Kristine Roby.
Don was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine on July 7, 2012, to whom he was married 62 and a 1/2 years; brothers and sisters, Howard W. Selzer, Ray L. Selzer, Ruby E. Selzer Hood, Paul D. Selzer, Lester F. Selzer, Wayne E. Selzer and Mary L. Selzer Fries.
Per Don’s wishes, there will be no services, his ashes will be placed with his wife Katherine at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Strongsville Methodist Church, 13500 Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH 44136 or Thomas P. Perciak Family Hospice, 18659 Drake Road, Strongsville, OH 44136.
Waite and Son Funeral Home, Brunswick Chapel, handled the arrangements.