Donald Wiethuechter's Obituary
Donald W. Wiethuechter
LTC, US Army, Retired
September 10, 1928-April 15, 2014
Colonel Wiethuechter was born to Walter and Lena Wiethuechter in Seattle. He passed away in Tacoma. He was raised in Seattle and attended Ballard High School and then went on to graduate from the University of Washington. He retired from the US Army in 1980 after a distinguished career. After graduating from the University of Washington, he fought in the Korean War. During the Korean War he proudly served in the 51st Signal Battalion. The 51st is currently assigned to Joint Base Lewis McChord. He also fought in the Vietnam War. His career also included tours in France, Germany, Turkey, Arizona and Fort Lewis. His decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He was strong supporter of the Association of the US Army and the Military Officers Association of America. He also was a member of the Friends of the Fort Lewis Museum. Additionally he served on the Advisory Board of Patriots Landing, a DuPont military oriented retirement community. He enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the world with family and friends.
Colonel Wiethuechter was a University of Washington Alumni with a passion for Husky Athletics, The History Department and the UW ROTC program. He was a founding member of the Tyee Sports Council, a volunteer group for Husky Athletics. He was the 2009 winner of the Frank Orrico Award given to an individual who demonstrates an uncommon level of dedication to Washington Athletics. He was a staple at football games, swim meets and men’s basketball games. His love of Husky Athletics crossed over to his support of the ROTC program. He often brought ROTC cadets to games. He was an active and generous member of the UW Department of History’s Visiting Committee, a UW laureate and a beloved friend to many at the University.
A grave side service will be conducted at the Lakeview Cemetery in Seattle at 1:30 on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. A reception follows at 2:30 at the Touchdown Terrace at Husky Stadium.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Colonel Donald W. Wiethuechter, USA Retired Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Military History or The Colonel Donald W. Wiethuechter, USA Retired Endowed Husky Athletics Scholarship via the UW Foundation at Box 359504, Seattle WA 98195. Questions, call 206-685-1980. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
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