Obituary: Donges, Fred Lyle

DONGES, Fred Lyle (Age 78) Surrounded by his loving family, Fred died peacefully on May 18, 2014 at Hospice House North of Spokane and legions of angels escorted him to his eternal home.

He was born to Fred and Clara Edell Donges on November 25, 1935 in Hardin Montana.

Fred married the love of his life, Patricia (Haney) in 1957 and they were blessed with six children, whom they raised in Spokane.

He worked for the United States Postal Service for 32 years.

Fred was an active member of St. Francis Xavier parish, a third degree Knight of Columbus and a founding Knight of St. Michael The Archangel Knights of Columbus Council #14394.

He loved the outdoors and gardening which was evident in his prized dahlia gardens.

He had a generous heart and loved to help others.

He donated 16 gallons of whole blood and over 200 platelets to the Inland Northwest Blood Center.

His last generous gift was full body donation to MedCure in Portland Oregon for medical science.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Everett Donges and his sister, Wilma Scott.

He is survived by his sister, Clara Luella Smith of Dixon CA; his wife of 57 years Patricia, their children Betty (Craig) Miller of Lacey WA, Kevin Donges of Spokane, Mark (Corrinne) Donges of Spokane Valley, Mary (Don) Haas of Pateros WA, Michael Donges of Spokane and Teresa (Mike) Leone of Spokane; 11 grand- children, 12 great-grandchildren (with #13 arriving this fall) and numerous nieces, nephews and other family and countless friends.

The family would like to thank Deacon Roy Buck, who walked beside Fred throughout this entire journey, also Hospice House North of Spokane, for their loving care of Fred and our family in his last hours on earth.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at noon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 544 E. Providence, Spokane, 99207.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu in flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Spokane in Fred’s honor.