Donald Austin Fitzgerald, born March 9, 1936, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Austin and Frances Fitzgerald, lived 90 full and purposeful years. He passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family.

At North Platte High School, Don served as senior class president, sang in the Glee Club, and was captain of both the football and basketball teams. He also participated in track and golf. He earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska, where he met and married Karen Lindsay. Together they shared 67 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his brother, Jack Fitzgerald (Susan) of Hendersonville, North Carolina; his four children, Michael Fitzgerald (Lewette) of Long Beach, California; Kathryn Fitzgerald of Urbana, Illinois; Sarah Fitzgerald (Joel Barnum) of Mount Vernon, Iowa; and Amy Fitzgerald of Urbana, Illinois; six grandchildren, Isaiah Fitzgerald, Jasper Pierson Walker (Mike), Luna Pierson (Gabe Hobson), Desmond Fitzgerald Powers, Xena (JC) Ward, and Olive Fitzgerald; and three great-grandchildren, Eve Walker, Wesley Walker, and Miller Hobson.

Don owned and operated Urbana Tire Company, Danville Tire Company, and Champaign Goodyear, retiring at age 78. A devoted golfer, he recorded six holes-in-one and was a longtime member of the Urbana Country Club, where he and Karen eventually made their home along the course.

An avid sports fan, he remained loyal to University of Nebraska athletics and later became a dedicated Illinois season ticket holder. He loved skiing, pheasant hunting, reading, and traveling widely. A licensed pilot and meticulous trip planner, he found joy in maps, preparation, and knowing his way wherever he traveled.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, Carle Hospice, or the Parkinson’s Foundation.