Donald Joseph "Don" Ochs, age 75

September 2, 1950 - January 18, 2026

Donald Joseph "Don" Ochs, age 75, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 12:44 AM - Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home surrounded by his children.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM – Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Father Tomy Philip celebrating mass.  The burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Newton, Illinois.  A visitation for family and friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the church and again Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, before the mass.  In loving memory of Don, memorials may be made to Saint Thomas School.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Donald Joseph, better known as Don, was born on September 2, 1950, in Olney, Illinois, the son of Lester and Pauline (Blank) Ochs.  He married Marlene Frances Westendorf on April 19, 1980, at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham, Illinois.  She preceded him in death on September 17, 2015.

Don graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1968.  He was a lifelong farmer.

Don was a member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #1704.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing, watching westerns and spending time with his family and taking his grandchildren on golf cart rides.

Don will be remembered as a true definition of salt of the Earth, reliable and steady.  He was never afraid of hard work and never one to complain.  He had a good sense of humor and just the right amount of orneriness that kept the people around him smiling.  Don's children, nieces, nephews and later his grandchildren knew this well and he loved to tease them in the most loving way and they loved and adored him for it.  His presence made life feel lighter and his absence will be deeply felt.

Don is survived by:

Children – Karen (Jeremy) Pitcher of Jewett, Illinois; Annette (Chad) Kistner of Newton, Illinois; Dennis (Raley) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Donna (Jud) Cochran of Wheeler, Illinois; Tricia (Justin) Ohnesorge of Dieterich, Illinois; and Megan (Jake) Pilman of Newton, Illinois

Grandchildren – Joslynn, Kassie, Jerrick and Karlee Pitcher; Natalie, Nora, Dylan and Collin Kistner; Drayden and Kinsley Ochs; Jase and Lela Cochran; Roland, Hattie, Lettie and Leland Ohnesorge; Mara, Emma, James and Hanna Pilman

Father-in-law – Vincent Westendorf of Effingham, Illinois

Siblings – Paul (Kay) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Linda (Gerald) Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Jean (Francis) Ochs of West Liberty, Illinois; Nancy (Lawrence) Ginder of Stringtown, Illinois; Darlene (Bob) Koester of Teutopolis, Illinois; Maurice (Francine) Ochs of West Liberty, Illinois and Martha (Tony) Strutner of West Liberty, Illinois

Sisters and Brothers-in-law – Barb Key of Montrose, Illinois; Bob Westendorf of Effingham, Illinois; Jerry (Diane) Westendorf of Effingham, Illinois and David (Paula) Westendorf of Teutopolis, Illinois

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife, mother-in-law Catherine Westendorf, sister-in-law Jan Westendorf and brother-in-law Terry Key.