Obituary of Donald Waldner

Donald Joseph Waldner, 82, died peacefully at home on Monday, February 19, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Louisville on November 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Matthew Francis and Mary Josephine Waldner and moved to Frankfort in 1958 with his wife, Carolyn Frances Russell Waldner, to whom he was married for 61 years.

Don faithfully served in the United States Army National Guard for 38 years and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1992. During his career, he served as Commander of the 223rd Military Police Battalion, Commandant of the Officer’s Candidate School, and Facilities Engineer for the Kentucky National Guard, and was awarded the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal and the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal.

Don was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Church, serving as Lector and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. In a leadership role, he was instrumental in the development of the new church, Parish Life Center, and school. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) and served many years as Financial Secretary.

Don enjoyed sports, particularly golfing with friends and family, and avidly following the University of Kentucky. He loved to spend time with his family and go shelling on Sanibel Island.

Along with his wife Carolyn, Don is also survived by two daughters, Mary Jo Waldner and Donna Manning (Tom); two sons, David Waldner (Robin) and Stuart Waldner (Lea & Frank Schultz); eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Earl and Ray.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 22nd with visitation preceding at 9:00 a.m. Visitation will also be held at the church from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21st, including a Christian Prayer Vigil to be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. with prayer and sharing about Don’s life and faith.

Burial will be in the Frankfort Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Billy Manning, Ryan Snelling, Adam Waldner, Mason McCoin, Nick Kihlman, Casey Thomas, Tommy Manning, and Taylor Slade. Honorary bearers will be Knights of Columbus Council 1483.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Good Shepherd Building Fund, or Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice).