Don Paul Arseneau

The rock of his family, Don Arseneau was filled with unending love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was accompanied by a spirit of generosity and unwavering compassion toward others as he was known for accepting others for who they were. Don and his wife shared a marriage that most can only dream of as they were teammates, true companions, and best friends who experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer alongside one another. With faith as his constant companion, Don lived a life of integrity that was an inspiration to all who were near. Although life will never be the same without him here, his timeless legacy will be carried on in the lives of those who follow in his footsteps.

The 1950s were a vibrant time to remember in American history when the cultural fabric of our nation was being transformed. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm while shows like Father Knows Best shaped the way we saw the American family as televisions were becoming part of our living rooms like never before. It was as this decade was drawing to a close that we welcomed both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states, and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union was underway. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1953 that brought unspeakable joy to a young couple from Watseka, Illinois, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on January 16th. Don Paul was one of two sons born to his parents, O’Neal and Zelma Jane (Hawthorne) Arseneau, and he was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Ronald.

Life was forever changed for Don when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Dawn LaRee Sando, and they met after he moved back to Watseka from California during their junior year of high school. They were inseparable from that point forward, and it wasn’t long before they found themselves deeply in love. In fact, Don asked his sweetheart to be his wife after only three dates! With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Don and Dawn were married on September 8, 1972, at the United Methodist Church in Watseka. Together he and his wife welcomed four children into their hearts and home: Jason, Shawn, Andrew, and Benjamin.

In everything he did Don gave it his all. He honorably served in the United States Army for a time and worked as a certified nursing assistant, retiring from the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno.

There was nothing that Don treasured more than being a husband and father as he truly lived for his family. He has been described as a genuine family man who always thought of others ahead of himself. Don was an active part of his children’s lives and was there to cheer them on in their various school activities and sporting events. He also loved doing simple things with his kids like doodling on Drew’s video games and watching his beloved Cubbies on WGN with them during the day. This is a tradition that Drew still continues with his children to this day. Don’s family knew that he would be watching various biblical Charlton Heston movies during the Easter season each year, and he also loved watching his westerns, especially anything with John Wayne. He was a fan of anything and everything about the Civil War period. In addition, Don could often be found out in their gardens, tending to the flowers.

A soft spoken, kindhearted, and gracious man, Don Paul Arseneau was a blessing in the lives of those around him. He was a devoted family man if ever there was one, and his love for his wife was easy to see. Don’s children knew they could count on their father to be there whenever they needed him, and he was a fantastic role model for them to follow after. He was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who made him so very proud, and there was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his loved ones. Don will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Don Paul Arseneau, of Bourbonnais, died at Presence St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee April 28, 2014. Don Paul’s family includes his wife, Dawn, of Bourbonnais; children, Jason (Michelle) Arseneau of Ashkum, Shawn (Jessica) Arseneau of Bourbonnais, Andrew (Alicia) Arseneau of Limestone; and Benjamin of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Kaylee, Brendan, Megan, Taylor, Sarah, Cody, Julius, Bryce, and Grace; father in law, Daniel (Nancy) Sando of Baton Rouge, LA; and brother, Ronald Arseneau of Kansas. Don was preceded in death by his parents. A time for family and friends to gather will be held Thursday, May 1, 2014, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Life Story Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 2, 2014, at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.