Obituary of Donald J. Ehmann

CONESUS LAKE--Donald J. Ehmann Donald Ehmann, 88, passed peacefully on January 13, 2024 surrounded by his family at Strong Memorial Hospital. Don was born in Rochester, NY on December 31, 1935 the seventh of eight children of Lawrence and Teresa Hemmerich Ehmann. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Georgene Ehmann; children Suzanne (Steven) Wightman, Steven (Mary) Ehmann, Douglas (Lisa) Ehmann, Timothy (Melissa) Ehmann; grandchildren Emily Ehmann (Ashley Alverez), Elizabeth Ehmann, Leah (Bob) Hennessey, Jason Ehmann, Kevin Ehmann, Peter (Andrea) Ehmann, Megan Ehmann, Ross (Olivia) Wightman, Paul Ehmann, Michael (Abbey) Ehmann, Brian Ehmann; great granddaughter Elise Hennessey; brother Edward (Joan) Ehmann; several cousins and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Bernadine Zimmer and Winifred Dalton and brothers Lawrence, Robert, Clement and Charles. In his youth, Don was a paper boy and delivered groceries in a wagon that he pulled to customers' homes and trimmed meat at Ehmann's Market (owned by his father and uncle) at the corner of Lyell Avenue and Glide Street in Rochester. As a boy, Don was blessed with the nickname "Deedle", which was capriciously resurrected in 1978 and enthusiastically adopted by his children, family and friends and remains his primary namesake to this day. Don attended Holy Family School, Aquinas Institute, and St. John Fisher College. He spent his career in the flooring business at Warner & Ehmann Flooring Company. Upon retirement, he spent his time manicuring the property around his home and beautifying a section of West Lake Road (Conesus Lake) with plants and flowers. He and Georgene spent many winters in Florida enjoying time with friends and relatives returning home just in time to witness the blooming of the daffodils. A stop along the way to and from Florida always included a trip to the Outer Banks to visit a dear friend and her family. Of late, the visit became a Don Ehmann family reunion. Don was a master craftsman with a strong work ethic as witnessed by his family. Remodeling his family home for his growing family, building a house in Groveland and turning his small cottage into a two story home where he and Georgene have resided for many years are just a few of his many remarkable accomplishments. He passed on these qualities to his children who could often be seen working by his side. Family and friends are invited to call Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4 – 7 PM at the Rector-Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. His Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo, NY. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers please plant a tree or some flowers to beautify Mother Nature or donate to the Civic Beautification Committee of your local Garden Club. Godspeed, Don.