Donald J. Ochs (90) of Newton

Donald Joseph Ochs, age 90, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 1:23 PM Sunday, April 12, 2020, at Newton Care Center in Newton, Illinois.

Private services will be held. Burial will be in the in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Donald, memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Church or Sainte Marie American Legion Post #932. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

Donald was born on the family farm in rural Newton, Illinois, on December 25, 1929, the son of Daniel J. and Rosa C. (Eckl) Ochs. He married Elizabeth “Betty” Nix on October 25, 1955, and she survives. Don was a life-long farmer and an active member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church and the American Legion Post #932 both in Sainte Marie, Illinois. He served as a aircraft electrician in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from September 15, 1951, until his honorable discharge on September 6, 1955. Don enjoyed singing in the church choir, gardening, going out to eat Chinese, talking with family and friends as well as reminiscing over various photos he took throughout the years.

Don is survived by: Wife of 64 years- Elizabeth Ochs of Newton, Illinois; Children - Cynthia (George) Backstein of Springfield, Illinois, Kenneth (Anne) Ochs of Newton, Illinois, Beverly (Dennis) Fritschle of Evansville, Indiana; Grandchildren - Margaret (Ochs) Kelly, James Backstein, Nicholas Ochs, Adam Fritschle, Jacob Fritschle, Adrienne (Ochs) Roberts, Matthias Ochs, Mary Ochs, Veronica Ochs, Brandon Backstein, Catherine Ochs and Brian Backstein, as well as 8 great grandchildren; Sister-in-law – Coletta Ochs of Newton, Illinois.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Rosa Ochs, infant daughter Jennifer, brothers Jerome (Anita) Ochs, Leonard Ochs, sister Jeanette (John) Kuhl and great grandson Lucas James Backstein.