Donald Lobdell

Rev. Mr. Donald W. Lobdell

Born August 21, 1939

Son of Samuel H. Lobdell and Lillian Lisuch. Brother to Douglas Lobdell. Married to Sarah Caughey Lobdell “Sally” on September 9, 1967. Father to Daniel (deceased), Joseph (wife Elizabeth Gierlach “Lisa”), Elizabeth (husband John Rowe), and Mark (wife Mary B.). Grandfather to Ben, Tony, Emily, Andy, Jacob, Noah, Katrina, Mark, Maddy, Gavin and Penelope.

Attended John Carroll, Western Reserve College, and St. Mary’s Seminary for Deacon Formation and furthered his skills with an additional four years of Clinical Pastoral Counseling. He was assigned to his home parish of St. Clements, volunteered at the County jail and at Grafton Prison and the honor farm. He was asked and supported by Bishop to become a Prison Chaplin in Grafton, and to maintain a permanent Catholic presence there. Which he did until he retired from his job as a chemical technician.

He also served at Holy Spirit Church in Avon at the request of the pastor. After his retirement he moved to Michigan and became an administrator at St. Bruno’s Parish in Nadeau, Michigan, where he began a youth group, gave retreats and accompanies the teams to the retreats in Steubenville. He began Lenten soup suppers and established a food pantry. He also worked as a part time hospice Chaplin for Marquette Home Health and Hospice. He served on the ethics committee at the Menominee/Marinette Hospital. When his spiritual advisor recommended him for the position of Chaplin at the Veteran’s home, he accepted and moved to Wisconsin. He served there for six years until he moved back to Cleveland. He was assigned to St. Edward and St. Lucy’s Church until his health forced him to retire. He volunteered at the Parkman jail until his health no longer permitted him to do that.

Don enjoyed sports especially the Cleveland Indians, he played softball as long as he was able. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, watching TV and movies, and traveling. Don maintained a lifelong love of family, and the poor and the outcast. He will be missed by family and friends.

Contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to Hope for the Homeless 25 Freedom Rd., Painesville, OH 44077.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Edward Catholic Church 16150 Center Street, Parkman, OH  44080 at 11 AM. Burial will take place at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Donald at THE CHURCH Tuesday Morning 9:30-10:45 AM The Most Reverend Roger W. Gries, O.S.B., Presiding.   Arrangements by the DeJohn Funeral Home & Crematory of Chardon (formerly Ritondaro).

“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loved their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.’ ” John 12: 23-26