Donald Richard Schindler

Donald R. Schindler, known to his family and friends as "Donny", passed away peacefully June 10, 2013 with his caregivers, Semi and Cheri at his side. He was 79 years old. Born May 9, 1934, Donny grew up in San Francisco, graduating from Mission High School. In his 20s, he became a U.S. postal worker and enjoyed delivering mail for 30 years, retiring in his 60s following a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease 10 years prior. Donny had a great sense of humor, often joking with family and friends, and he brought many smiles to his mother and father (both now deceased), his brother and his niece, along with numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. He was a kind, gentle soul that, regardless of the obstacles and struggles he battled in life, always maintained an inner happiness that everyone could see when visiting with him. He loved to sing out loud at all the family gatherings and actually had a very good voice. Family events won't be the same without him belting out a few lines of "God Bless America." In 1995, he relocated to Sonoma County with his mother due to restrictions from his Parkinson's and so he could be closer to his brother, and other family members. Donny had an exceptionally close loving relationship with his brother, who was his advocate from childhood into his adult years and was equally close to his niece since she was a child. Always keeping his spirits high and a smile on his face, Donny never gave up on life when his illness began to get the best of him. He had a very special love of dogs, which the family believes was the sole reason his spirits remained high, as having a dog at his side helped him cope better with his Parkinson's. His last dog, Tootsie, was by his side at his passing, loyal to her master until the very end. Donny's family takes great comfort knowing he is in Heaven now, pain-free, and happy alongside our heavenly Father, Jesus, and his parents Bertha and Julius Franz Schindler. He is survived by his brother Julius Otto Schindler (wife Elena), niece Heidi Bailey (husband Derek, children Gregory and MacKenzie), cousin Gloria Whiteley (husband Victor), aunt Anita Miller, cousin Gary Miller, and numerous cousins throughout California. He is truly missed. Memorial services will be held July 20, 2013, 11 a.m. at Lafferty & Smith Colonial Chapel 4321 Sonoma Hwy., Santa Rosa.