Donnie L. Ehlinger, 65, Knox, formerly of Rochester, passed away Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at his residence.

On July 5, 1952, in Rochester, Donnie Lee Ehlinger was born. He was a treasured son of Harland “Bud” and Peggy Lou Hunter Ehlinger. Growing up he shared his childhood with an older brother Danny. He attended Aubbeenaubbee Township School through his junior year. He transferred to Culver Community his senior year with the closing of Aubbee. During his tenure at both schools he was a standout athlete playing basketball, pitching for the baseball teams and running track.

For many years he worked at Sealed Power Corporation. Following it’s closing he became a truck driving professional, driving coast-to-coast, and in more recent years shorter trips around America’s heartland. He also enjoyed concrete finishing.

In Knox on June 24, 2003, he married Betty Jane Napier. Together they enjoyed more than 20 years of life’s adventures. They enjoyed the outdoors, planting trees and flowers to enhance the landscape of their home. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Evenings brought on cruising around enjoying the ever changing landscapes and a chance to run into friends. Grandpa Donnie loved and adored his grandchildren. A favorite activity he and the kids enjoyed was coloring.

An American sportsman, he hunted deer. With a great love for the Tippecanoe River he could be seen on the banks near the Aubbeenaubbee Landing, fishing with his casting rod in hand. He had a keen eye hunting for arrowheads and other Indian artifacts. He collected unique pieces of turquoise. His trusted canine companion, Daisy the spunky little tan and white Chihuahua-Pomeranian special blend was always at his side.

Left to cherish Mr. Ehlinger’s memory are his wife Betty, at home; a son Casey Ehlinger and wife Shelia of Morocco; three daughters: Nickcole Arthurhulz and husband Jamey, Barbara Johnson and husband Eric, and Sarah McFarland, all of Culver; his mother, Peggy Lou Ehlinger of Rochester; nine grandchildren and a great granddaughter; two uncles: Larry Hunter and wife Ruth Ann of Rochester, and Dean Hunter and wife Nancy Carol of Stuart, Fla.; and Daisy, his canine companion.

Preceding him in death are his brother, Danny Ehlinger on March 15, 2008; his father, Bud Ehlinger on Nov. 11, 2002; and his uncles, the Hunter boys: Jack, Bill, Harry, Bob, Emerson, and Kelly; and the Hunter aunts: Lucille, Dorothy and Ruthie.

Pastor Gail Law will officiate services. Burial will follow at the Sharon Cemetery.