Donald A. Pluth

Donald Albert Pluth, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him.

Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was a paratrooper. His adventurous spirit and strong work ethic carried throughout his life and into the many careers and businesses he pursued.

Donald was the owner of The Grey Fox, a bar in Joliet, Illinois. He later worked for TTX as a railroad maintenance supervisor. During his years in California, Donald owned a lawn-mower shop in Sunnyvale and also worked for U.S. Diver Co. in Southern California.

Donald was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life and had many interests. He had a special love for dogs, especially his beloved black Lab, Sean, and his white German Shepherd, Aries. He enjoyed tractors, hunting, fishing and boating. He was also an avid sports fan who loved watching football, basketball and golf.

Music was another important part of Donald’s life, and he enjoyed listening to artists including The Eagles, Frank Sinatra and Lou Rawls.

Donald had a unique sense of humor and a memorable way of connecting with people. He was known for giving people code names to help him remember them and those names often stuck with people throughout their lives. His personality, stories and sense of humor will be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, John Pluth and Mary Albert; brother, Bob Pluth; and sister, Sandy Rodeghiero.

He is survived by his son, Don Albert Pluth Jr.; daughter-in-law, Dina Jo Pluth; grandsons, Daniel Albert Pluth and Matthew Angelo Pluth; daughter-in-law, Katlyn Elizabeth Pluth; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donald’s name to a charity of the family’s choice.

Donald will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. with full military honors.