Donald Francis Dufek, 88, passed peacefully at home on September 3, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Mary. Also, survived by sons Michael (Robbie) and Steve (Mary), daughters Susan Mildenstein (Steve) and Connie Hosbrook (Dan). Grandchildren Zachary Holt (Beth), Katie Dufek, Kim Dufek, Donald Dufek (Hannah), Gregory Dufek (Sarah), Sally Dufek (Max Fogle), Paul Hosbrook (Claire), Marc Hosbrook, Jeffrey Mildenstein (Haley) and Christina Hestilow (Samuel). Great-Grandchildren Jake, Isabelle, Emma, Annabelle, Alex, Emily, Lillian, Madeline, Dean, Lukas and Lainey. Surviving siblings Ellie, Anne, Bob, Jean, Dick, Mary, Donna, Barbara and Tom. Preceded in death by siblings Paul, John, Jim, Bill and Dennis. Don's late parents are Clarence and Hortense Dufek.

Don lived an extraordinary life of success, joy and compassion. Born in 1937 into a family of 15 children, Don left the small town of Jordan, MN at age 13 for the big city of Minneapolis. He worked three jobs to put himself through De La Salle High School, then went into the Seminary to study for the priesthood. The clerical plan was interrupted when Don met Mary. They raised four children while Don worked relentlessly to provide for the family and, simultaneously, serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves for eight years

Despite no college, Don succeeded to the top executive levels of the Kroger Co. The family moved with each promotion: Minneapolis to Cleveland to Lansing to Grand Rapids to Cincinnati to Columbus and finally, settled back in Cincinnati. Don was an industry innovator and leader in product scanning and supply chain logistics. He wrote and published a groundbreaking book on logistics and real time inventory. Don was known as a tough negotiator while his reputation was built on honesty and fairness.

Don served on several charitable boards including St. Rita's School for the Deaf, Beech Acres, Keep American Beautiful, Fine Arts Fund, May Festival Chorus, United Way and World Affairs Council. His generosity and energy have helped hundreds of individuals and dozens of organizations. Don received numerous awards and accolades for his business accomplishments, but he was most proud of achieving his Executive MBA at Harvard University, then his teaching appointment as Executive in Residence at Xavier University. Don was the official mentor to incoming Xavier business students.

Don always kept in top physical condition, awakening at 5am each morning for a two-hour exercise regimen. He was an outstanding tennis player; he and Mary won the Kenwood Country Club championship. He spent hours working in his garden, "the most beautiful landscape design on Landen Lake." Don also maintained his fervent faith and spiritual fitness as well. A lifelong Catholic, he prayed a daily rosary and kept a list of over 100 people for whom he prayed each day. Don led Children's Liturgy for several years while he and Mary were active in the Good Shepherd parish for the past 45 years.

Don and Mary enjoyed 30 years of retirement, travelling to all 50 states, 107 countries and 38 Caribbean islands. For the last 38 years, they organized and gathered the entire family of four generations to vacation together every July, exploring parks, beaches and cities nationwide. Convivial and charismatic, Don was a beloved friend to many as he and Mary enjoyed a rich social life. Together, Don and Mary possess an unqualified joy of life and an eternal love.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9 from 4 - 6 PM in the Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Ave., Loveland, as well as Wednesday, September 10 from 8:45 - 9:45 AM at Good Shepherd Church, 8815 E. Kemper Rd., Cincinnati, where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM. A reception at the church will immediately follow the Mass. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Rita School for the Deaf or to Hospice of Cincinnati .