Donald Fredrick Grohman, known by friends and family as “Dondo,” was born on September 27, 1940, in Caledonia, Minnesota, into a large family, the youngest of seven. He passed away on December 29, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-five.
Dondo bravely battled cancer for more than 20 years and passed due to subsequent complications and kidney disease. His resilience, strength, and quiet perseverance were a true testament to his character.
After honorably serving as a medic in the United States Navy, he moved to Seattle, where his brother Bob had settled. There he met the love of his life, Judy with whom he shared 60 years of adventures, and a marriage built on devotion, partnership, and deep love.
A retired Teamster truck driver, Dondo dedicated his life to God, family, and helping others. He was a passionate supporter of many charities and committed member of the St. Francis Church community. Known for his devout faith, generous spirit, and willingness to lend a hand while bending your ear.
Dondo loved music, westerns, cowboy poetry, creative cooking, making things with his hands and fixing just about anything that needed repair. A motorcycle enthusiast at heart, he loved to take the scenic route, tinker, and ‘consult’ on any topics, especially garage projects, whether you asked or not. He was always ready with advice, opinions, and a good story.
Affectionately nicknamed “Salvage One,” he was known for his ingenuity, practicality, and ability to see value and possibility where others might not. In his later years, he looked forward to his weekly adventures with the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and cherished those friendships dearly. Don never missed the daily crossword and loved to give family and friends a run for their money during a game of cards.
Survived by his sister, Gretchen Buege, beloved wife Judy, his son Kurt (Blair), his daughters Karen (Craig), Elsa (Eric), and grandchildren Hannah, Vaughn, Cooper, and Eva. He was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Memorial Mass followed by a reception at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 15236 21st Avenue SW, Burien, Saturday, February 21, 2026 starting at 11:00 AM. Please consider donations to St Francis Church in lieu of flowers.
Don Grohman is one of a kind. His obituary describes him perfectly. When he and Judy met in the early sixties it was like 4th of July fireworks! They were 100% confident in their love and commitment and excited to begin their life as husband and wife.
May peace, love and comfort fill the hearts of Judy, Kurt, Karen, and Elsa and their dear families. As the years go by may we all continue to recall the many memories and the goofy sense of humor of Dondo who inspired selected others (like my husband) with several weird scavenger practices, garage experiments and Ol’ Pappy stories.
Karen (Grohman) Shuey
My Dad………
My dad loved his Seahawks (mostly). I will miss my Monday morning armchair quarterback conversations with my dad bantering back-and-forth about the love-hate relationship that we dearly shared with the NFL. It always started with, “what up dogg!”when he answered the phone when he knew it was me calling . I bet he’s up in heaven right now cheering them on and also yelling at them. My dad always supported me, giving me solid advice, whether I asked for it or not. On the worst day of my life, when the Sheriff knocked on my door and told me that my husband had died on duty, the first thing I said was I have to call my dad. My mom and dad were waiting for me at the hospital where they took my husband. He grabbed my shoulders and said” Sis, it doesn’t feel like it now, but you WILL get through this. You are strong . It will be OK, I am here”. Those are words I will never forget. Those are the words that saved my life. I could not have asked for a better father or grandfather to my most favorite people on the planet, my daughter, Hannah and my son, Vaughn. Vaughn and my dad had a very special bond in the garage and with motorcycles , cars , tractors, trucks , quads and anything that had an engine and horsepower. I can’t wait to see what Vaughn does with Grandpa’s Brat ( Subaru) . My dad‘s devotion to God led his life. God has Called his faithful servant home. May he forever rest in peace in Heaven amongst the angels. Dad, I will love you forever. GO HAWKS!!!!!!