Donald Joseph "DJ" Maske, 83

U.S. Army Veteran

Born on March 26, 1942.  Passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL.

Born and raised in Lemont, IL, Don was a devoted Catholic, serving as an altar boy and parishioner at St. Alphonsus Church. He attended Joliet Catholic High School, served two years in the U.S. Army, earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Lewis University, and later received a Turf Management degree from Penn State University.

Don's lifelong love of golf began at Glen Eagle Golf Course, where he first worked as a caddy. He later spent time at Olympia Fields Country Club before becoming the Golf Course Superintendent at Cold Springs Country Club in New York. It was there he met the love of his life, Sue, who he affectionately referred to as "Ding." He must have made quite an impression for Sue to leave her family in New York and build a life with him in Illinois. Don later transitioned into a successful sales career and was promoted to District Sales Manager, a role that enabled him to travel widely across a seven-state territory and earn multiple international incentive trips. He spent most of his career with the same company as it evolved through many transitions, from Upjohn to Noram Chemical Company, Agrevo, and ultimately Bayer. After retiring in 2000, Don wasn't quite ready to step away from the greens. He continued doing what he loved, serving as a Marshall at Tiffany Greens Golf Course.

Don lived most of his life in Lockport, Illinois, until his job transferred him and Sue to Kansas City/Lake Waukomis, Missouri, where they spent 19 wonderful years. They eventually returned to Illinois, residing in Romeoville and recently moved to Orland Park. For many years, they have also cherished their time as snowbirds at Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Suzanne (Sue); his three children, Tami (Garrett) Maske Leonard, Nikki (Todd) Leonard, and Donny (Kari) Maske; and seven beautiful grandchildren who adored their comical Papa—Tamryn, Garrison, Taylor, Caleb, and Teegan Leonard, and Kaiya and Landon Maske. He is also survived by his sister Connie Sue Kudura, his golden grand-dogs Nittany, Paisley, and Haven, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Maske; his sister, Donna Smith; his in-laws, Harry and Arlene Harrison; and his childhood best friend, Jim Abrams, who ironically passed away on the same date in 2003.

Known affectionately as "Honest Don," he loved to tell (and repeat) stories, never hesitated to strike up a conversation with anyone, and had a natural gift for humor. He was famous for his world-class pancakes, annual fishing trips, Indy 500 weekends with his buddies, and his unwavering devotion to cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions — "WE ARE!" Though headstrong and a fighter to the end, he was a real softie on the inside.

Don loved golden retrievers, golfing, camping, dancing, playing bocce and bingo, and listening to music of all genres. He treasured the lively "Loud family" reunions and traveling the world. Some of his favorite trips included Germany, Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, multiple Caribbean cruises, and a memorable journey through Europe with his nephew Brad and brother-in-law Vince. A lifelong dream of his was to meet the Pope—though that never came to be, he took great pleasure in knowing that Pope Leo is a White Sox fan. Don also held a deep affection for his 1955 Chevy Nomad and his Tahoe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Lightways Hospice Care ( DONATE ) in Joliet, the Alzheimer's Association ( DONATE ), or the American Cancer Society ( DONATE ).

A visitation will be held in his honor on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL, from 11:00AM – 2:00PM, followed by a service with military honors from 2:00 – 3:00PM.  On Monday, December 22, 2025, family and friends can meet directly at St. Alphonsus Church (605 S. State St., Lemont) for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM.  For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com