Donald F. Van Auwelaer, 84, East Moline, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at the Lighthouse of Silvis. Funeral services are 10 AM Wednesday at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Entombment is in St. Mary's Mausoleum, East Moline, where the East Moline American Legion Post 227 will conduct military honors. Visitation is 4-7PM Tuesday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30PM. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy, East Moline or to the Children's Therapy Center. Don was born on May 14, 1932 in East Moline, the son of Joseph and Mathilda (Modde) Van Auwelaer. He graduated from United Township High School in East Moline in 1950. Don was an outstanding athlete and a star basketball player. He turned down a scholarship to Illinois State University to enlist in the US Army. Don's love of sports continued as a supporter of the Chicago Bears and Bulls. He served overseas during the Korean Conflict. After returning from Korea, Don used his lifelong interest in automobiles to obtain jobs as a mechanic, working at several area dealerships. He always loved tinkering on cars and always drove a Mercury Marquis. Don was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in East Moline until it closed. He then joined the congregation at St. Anne Catholic Church in East Moline. Don was quiet personable man with an easy smile and a big heart. His usual salutation was "Do you need anything?" Don was always ready to help family, friends and neighbors in any way that he could. Living with his parents, Don helped take care of them as they reached their 80's and 90's. He is survived by nephew. James (Linda) Van Auwelaer, Port Byron, nieces; Therese (Larry VerHeecke, Port Byron, Nancy DeWitt, Hampton, Jeanne (Thomas) Holuba, Moline, Marcia (William) Jacobs, Coal Valley. He also has many great nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Harbor Memory Care at the Lighthouse and Hospice Compasses for their care and compassion.

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Tuesday, March 28, 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Van Hoe Funeral Home 1500 Sixth Street East Moline, Illinois 61244

Wednesday, March 29, 2017 10:00 AM

St. Anne Catholic Church 555 18th Ave. East Moline, Illinois 61244