Donald Peter Reidel was born in Northfield, MN the oldest of eight children of Max and Silvia Reidel. In 1953 at age 17, Don and his brother Ron drove one of the family cars from Northfield, Mn to Port Angeles, WA, when the family moved in 1953. He always talked about the trials and tribulations of that trip west.

He graduated from Port Angeles High School in 1954. He enjoyed his High School reunions and informal class gatherings over the years, attending as many as possible.

Don served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp, and was stationed in Glenallen, Alaska for most of his regular Army service. He also served in the Washington State National Guard. Don worked at Peninsula Plywood where his father and some of his brothers worked as well. He eventually changed to Longshore ILWA Local 27/Steveadoring in Port Angeles where he worked for 36 years. He was a proud member of the Union and loved the waterfront.

He married Barbara J. Dixon on September 13, 1958. Barbara survives him as do his daughter Pamela Deann Slack (Brian) and his son Donald Max (Ellzie). He is survived by grandchildren Cyndi, Stark, Susie Groshong and Michelle Groves. His two great grandchildren Xavier and Maxton brought him lots of happiness too!

He is survived by brothers Gary (Linda) of Port Angeles, Robert (Diane) of Port Angeles, Chuck (Maria) of Lynden, WA and sister Barbara Byers of Harrisburg, PA. Brothers Ron (Sharon), Roger (Boots) and Vernon (Linda) preceded him in death.

Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, home repair, cribbage and working on his own cars. He loved traveling and it didn't matter if it was by car, train, cruise ship or air. He was always willing and eager to go wherever his wife Barbie pointed him, especially if it was to visit family and friends.

Don was a life member of the Elks Naval Lodge, where he was honored as 'Elk of the Year"" for 2014-2015 for his outreach work for Military Vetrans, a cause that was close to his heart. He also donated heavily to outdoor organizations, and was a life member of the National Rifle Association, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was an associate member of the Korean War Veteran Association. He was also a founding member of the NRA Whittington Center, located in Raton, NM.

He was an enthusiastic financial supporter of the Jim Cooke/ Reidel Brothers Racing Team, a team that won class championships at local car racing venues in Western Wahington.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Saturday May 16th from 12 Noon to 3PM at the Captain Joseph House.

In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, and in keeping with Don's tradition of helping Military Veteran's please consider a donation to the Captain Joseph House in the name of your favorite Veteran or of Donald P. Reidel.