Donald Henry Santi, 92, peacefully passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by his wife Mary and his loving children. Don was born on May 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Virgil and Corinne Santi. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Ronald Santi.
A memorial service for Don will be held on February 20, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Gurnee, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
Don is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, with whom he shared a loving and devoted marriage of 48 years. He was a proud father to Terrence Santi, Mariann (Glen) Mortensen, Alan (Vicki) Santi, and Barbara (John) Marshall.
Affectionately known as “Grandpa Dollar,” Don cherished his grandchildren: Nicholas (Cassie), Samantha, Jenna (Jordan), Mark, Travis, Landon (Katie), Brandon, Kyle, and Cameron; his great-grandchildren: Amy (Umer), Skylar (Anthony), Austin, Shayla, Tyler, Anthony, Andrea, Arianna, Troy, Chloe, Madelynn, and Milagros; and his great-great-grandchildren: Aleina, Hafiza, Nabila and Ashton.
Don especially loved fishing with his sons Terry and Al and any grandchild or friend who wanted to join him. The lakes and rivers he fished were “oxygen” for his soul. He was deeply devoted to his family—affectionate, encouraging, and always present. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.
A talented violinist with a natural gift for playing by ear, Don brought joy to many and himself through his music. In high school, he was active in ROTC, orchestra, a chamber music group, track, and cross country. Along with his Boy Scout Leader and father Virgil and brother Ron, he formed a “Boy Scout Band,” sharing their musical talents with the community. Don was also an exceptional runner, winning numerous track and cross-country races and qualifying for state competition four times in high school. In 1956, he competed in the Olympic trials in San Pedro, California, placing seventh in the six-mile race.
Don proudly served in the United States Army, stationed at the Guided Missile Base in Milwaukee. He represented the Army in running competitions, winning the six-mile race and placing second in the three-mile race at the Army Meet in back-to-back events.
With his charismatic personality and natural ability to connect with others, Don found the perfect career in sales. He was a dedicated provider for Mary and himself. He especially enjoyed taking Mary on many sales trips across his territory – the United States and Canada.
Don will be remembered for his deep love for Mary and his family, his contagious smile, his kindness to all, and his remarkable gifts in music and running. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
