On September 28, 2024, Donald Aloysius Kauth, 91, died away quietly in the company of his cherished family at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Known affectionately as Dad, Papa, Big Papa, Uncle Don, and Mr. K, he was loved by everybody who knew him and developed lifelong friendships across Berwyn to Germany during his military duty, and most recently in Elk Grove Village for the past 65 years.
Donald was a model of what it means to be a loving son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, godfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend. Clearly was his pride in his marriage and the big brood he and his beloved Rosemary produced in 1956. As his grandchildren and great-grandchildren treasured time with him, the smile and glitter in his eye radiated brilliantly even in his last days. From athletic achievements and academic successes to marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, and other major events, he delighted in honouring every family accomplishment.
Following his sisters Mary and Evelyn, Donald, born on May 4, 1933, to Aloysius and Marie Kauth in Chicago, Illinois, was the youngest of three siblings. He studied at St. Odilo’s School in Berwyn then moved on to Fenwick High School in Oak Park. Following a brief stay at the University of Illinois, Navy Pier, he postponed his studies to work and save for more study before joining the Army. Donald developed a lifetime connection with Bob Rocque while serving as a Corporal in the 12th Transport Company in Germany following basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas.
Donald married his soul love, Rosemary Camodeca, in Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church in Cicero, Illinois, on October 13, 1956. Over 67 years of marriage, they delighted in raising four boys—Mark, Craig, Scott, and Joe—in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Particularly after the death of their first son, Mark, to a protracted illness, their house was overflowing with family dinners, holiday celebrations, love, laughter, and sometimes grief.
Donald’s best memories were of family get-togethers at Lake Tomahawk, several family vacations, and many experiences shared with Rosemary, Bob, and Vivian.
Having a lengthy and illustrious career in the electrical manufacturing sector, he obtained several patents along the way. Beginning his career as a young man trying to make a living by sweeping the shop floor, Donald ascended to become President of Daniel Woodhead Company. Following his tenure at Daniel Woodhead, his former buddy Tom O’Gara asked him to help Remke Industries expand. Success in business and life followed from his work ethic, knowledge, and compassion for others.
Donald, a passionate golfer, was known at Itasca Country Club as “the Blade,” a short game maestro whose value on any team was evident during club tournaments. He delighted in several holes of golf with Rosemary in the couples’ league and on Sundays afternoon with his sons.
His loving wife, Rosemary Kauth; sons Craig (Kimber), Scott (Laura), and Joe (Kim); 11 grandchildren, Kevin (Hannah), Eric (Brittni), Dustin (Lisa), Jonathan (Samantha), Matt (Meghan), Scott Jr. (M Meredith), Angela, Kirsten, Lauren, Reagan, and Austin; and 9 great-grandchildren Jensen, Calvin, Virginia, Kollins, Maya, Logan, Cassidy, Owen, and Charlotte.
Visitation will take place Friday from 8:45 AM until the closing prayers at Grove Memorial Chapel, situated at 1199 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 3 PM to 8 PM. With private entombment, a funeral mass scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10 AM at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Church in Elk Grove Village
The family sincerely thanks the caring nurses and personnel of New Summit Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Arlington Heights and Ascension Alexian Brother Hospice Residence in Elk Grove. One can direct memorial gifts to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
