Donavon C. Voegeli

Donavon C. Voegeli went home to be with the Lord on August 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

Don was born in Belleville, Wisconsin to the late Jake and Fern Voegeli. He grew up on a dairy farm. During his school years, he was involved with many activities and graduated from Belleville High School in 1948. After graduating from Belleville, he joined the United States Air Force where he served some time in Japan. After completing his service, Don attended The University of Wisconsin at Madison and graduated in 1956 with a degree in Engineering. He then took a job with Firestone in New Castle, Indiana, where he met his wife Joyce and a few years later ended up moving to Akron to work for Firestone. 

Donavon was a proud United States Air Force veteran and a man whose life reflected faith, service, and devotion to the people he loved. He loved his wife, Joyce, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. He enjoyed serving the Lord in many ways, including teaching Sunday School, leading the choir, and was involved with Camp Ecco in many ways. His caring spirit extended into the community as well, where he volunteered with People Serving People and took part in reading to elementary school children through a reading program. Don was known for being diligent and committed to all his involvements and always joined in family gatherings. 

Donavon found joy in many interests and pastimes. He was a member of the Firestone Golf League and the First Evangelical Church Golf League, and he continued golfing into his late 80s. He also liked to bowl and was a longtime member of bowling leagues. A gifted and creative man, he was talented in crafts and art, created blueprints, and was known for wrapping the most beautiful Christmas gifts. He was an avid reader of war history, especially World War II, and enjoyed National Geographic. He was also a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Wisconsin Badgers, “On Wisconsin.” Those who knew him well appreciated his dry sense of humor, his humble disposition, and that he never complained about his physical ailments. 

He is survived by his daughters, Dianne (Mike) Fouts, Sheila (Mike) Schottenheimer, and Sherrie (Mark) Hillbish; his grandchildren, Corey Fouts, Cody Fouts, April (Sean) Campbell, Danielle (Tim) Rollins, Bethany Schottenheimer, Dru Schottenheimer, and Eric (Kelly) Hilbish; his great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jasmin, Tyler, Matthew, Logan, Brendan, Abeka, Tilor, Aria, Tristyn, Londyn, Addy, and Aspyn; 6 great-great-grandchildren; and his nieces, Laura Hamff Bice and Nancy Hamff. He will be remembered with love by his family and by all who were blessed to share in his kindness, faith, and steady presence.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Voegeli; his parents, John Jacob and Ethel Fern Voegeli; his sisters, Leta (Nicholas) Sossong and Helen (Kenneth) Hamff; and his brother, Clifford (Caryl) Voegeli.

Visitation will be held on September 8, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N Canton Rd, Akron, Ohio 44305. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will then take place at 2:00 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Park, 1025 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312.

The family would like to thank Mulberry Gardens Senor Living and Suncrest Hospice for their loving care.