Donald Moothart

Donald Junior Moothart, of rural Chadwick, Illinois loved his family, the farming life and raising Holsteins. At the age of 88, Donald passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at home. A funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Sterling, Illinois with Military Rites.
Donald was born August 2, 1927 in Clyde Township, Whiteside County, the son of Donald and Emma (Legel) Moothart. Donald grew up quickly as the eldest brother, age six, as his mother and father both passed away at young ages. Donald and his brothers, Gerald and Gilbert, were raised on a farm near Chadwick by their grandparents, John and Grace Legel. This is where his love of farming began. He attended the Pleasant Hills Country School and graduated from Chadwick High School with the Class of 1946, where he excelled in Track at the 100 yard dash. Donald served in the US Army, then after some work operating heavy equipment, he returned home to farm. Going on a blind date rollerskating, Donald met the love of his life, Shirley Tuft in Sterling. They were married March 30, 1952 and began their life farming together. Everything was done “Donald’s way” outside on the farm, and “Shirley’s way” in the kitchen. They raised three daughters, Debra, Vickie and Penny.
Donald loved playing cards and the family life. He was an avid Illini Basketball and Chicago Cubs fan. He especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren,watching them compete in sports and show cattle. Throughout his life, Donald also appreciated the time he spent with long-time friend, the late Harold James.
Donald will be dearly missed by his wife Shirley; three daughters, Debra Stepp of Chadwick, Vickie (Jim) Zuck of Chadwick and Penny (Mark) Swalve of Chadwick; six grandchildren, Joshua (Kelly) Stepp, Nathan (Samantha) Stepp, Jason Zuck, Jenny (Carl) Lyons, Brock (fiancé Ashley Wagenknecht) Swalve and Courtney Swalve; five great grandchildren, Devon, Tyler, Gavin, Teagan and Garrett; a brother, Gerald Moothart and companion, Ruth Topper; and two brother-in-laws, Jerry Tuft and Thomas Lehman. Donald is preceded in death by both parents; his grandparents; two brothers, Gilbert in 2007, and Gale in 1934; and three great grandchildren during pregnancy, including twins Noah and Sawyer.