Donald William Putz, 80, entered into rest August 9, 2020, Manteca. He was born April 21, 1940, in Kansas City, MI.
Don was raised in Vallejo, CA and attended/graduated from Vallejo High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Conklin in 1961. Together they moved to San Francisco so that Don could earn his Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University. The two moved to San Dimas next where went on to complete his Master’s Degree at USC in Mechanical Engineering. They moved to Livermore in 1968 as Don earned a position as mechanical engineer with Sandia Labs in Livermore. He worked there his whole career and transitioned to supervisor, retiring in 1999. Jeanne passed away in December of 2016, but they were happily married for 55 years.
Don’s second career revolved around farming almonds. In 1974, he packed up the family and moved them to Manteca where he resided for 46 years. Farming was his second/dual career. He was a member of the Blue Diamond Growers. He worked hard at the Lab and would come home to farm on the nights and weekends, but he loved it.
Don leaves behind his two children, Sherrie (Putz) Jamero and Scott Donald and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Natalie Jamero. Don loved his children and grandkids, attending so many functions from sporting activities like soccer, baseball, Tae Kwon Do and swimming. He also enjoyed going to Nick and Natalie’s concerts, both band and choir. Don has many friends and has touched the community in various ways. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church where he was servicing on the board of trustees. He also enjoyed buying, restoring and driving vintage cars. He was a member of the Central Valley Early Iron Car Club.
Don enjoyed camping, fishing, and outdoor activities. One of his great passions was riding horses. He also loved watching old western movies.
Donald will be remembered as a wonderful husband, amazing father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed.
P.L. Fry is honored to serve Don’s family. At this time all services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Don was raised in Vallejo, CA and attended/graduated from Vallejo High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Conklin in 1961. Together they moved to San Francisco so that Don could earn his Bachelor’s Degree from San Francisco State University. The two moved to San Dimas next where went on to complete his Master’s Degree at USC in Mechanical Engineering. They moved to Livermore in 1968 as Don earned a position as mechanical engineer with Sandia Labs in Livermore. He worked there his whole career and transitioned to supervisor, retiring in 1999. Jeanne passed away in December of 2016, but they were happily married for 55 years.
Don’s second career revolved around farming almonds. In 1974, he packed up the family and moved them to Manteca where he resided for 46 years. Farming was his second/dual career. He was a member of the Blue Diamond Growers. He worked hard at the Lab and would come home to farm on the nights and weekends, but he loved it.
Don leaves behind his two children, Sherrie (Putz) Jamero and Scott Donald and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Natalie Jamero. Don loved his children and grandkids, attending so many functions from sporting activities like soccer, baseball, Tae Kwon Do and swimming. He also enjoyed going to Nick and Natalie’s concerts, both band and choir. Don has many friends and has touched the community in various ways. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church where he was servicing on the board of trustees. He also enjoyed buying, restoring and driving vintage cars. He was a member of the Central Valley Early Iron Car Club.
Don enjoyed camping, fishing, and outdoor activities. One of his great passions was riding horses. He also loved watching old western movies.
Donald will be remembered as a wonderful husband, amazing father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed.
P.L. Fry is honored to serve Don’s family. At this time all services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, August 22, 2020
