Donald T. Sesslar

Donald T. Sesslar, 81, Rockford, passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born August 29, 1931, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of James R. and Elenore (Goldsmith) Sesslar. Don was a captain of the renowned Black Horse Troop B at Culver Academy. He attended and graduated from Millikin University in Decatur where he played football, earning 4 varsity letters and serving as team captain in 1953 and was an active member of the SAE Fraternity. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he was trained as a pilot and flew a variety of Marine jet fighters. Don served actively from 19541961 and then in the USMC Reserves from 19611965. On February 22, 1958, he married Marie Bauer in Baltimore, Maryland. Dona?Æ?a?a?"?a?¢a?Æ?a?¢a?¡a?"?a?a?Æ?a?¢a?¾a?"?a?¢s professional flying career spanned over 25 years and 20,000 hours with American Airlines during which he captained a number of planes including the L188 Electra, B727, and the DC10. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Grey Eagles and Silver Stripes. He was an active volunteer with the Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry program for over 25 years. Don was always extremely proud of his family and loved them very much.Don is survived by his loving wife of over 54 years, Marie; his daughters, Dawn SesslarDailey of Chandler, Arizona, Lynn (John) McNeal of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Lee (Dennis) SesslarBednarz of Rockford; his grandchildren, Paige, Abby, Maddie, and Chloe McNeal and Jack Bednarz. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, James R. Sesslar, Jr., and his soninlaw, Dennis Dailey.Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 14, 2012, in Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N. Bell School Rd. with Reverend Dr. Bill Ward officiating. Visitation from 10:00 am until 10:45am Friday at the church. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.