Donald was born May 2nd, 1928 to Marjorie and Paul Hostetler in Somerset, Pennsylvania. When he was a young teen, he, his parents, and sister Wadena moved to 4953 Cecil Street in Detroit, Michigan. Don played basketball and football during high school and graduated from Chadsey in 1946.

Later, Don joined the Army and served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was a master Sergeant and earned 2 Bronze Stars. When he returned from the service, there was a welcome home party for he and some buddies. It was there that he met Valentine Majek who he fell head over heels in love with. After dating a short time, Don converted to Catholisism and they were married on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 1953, at St. Alphonses Church in Dearborn. Their Wedding reception was held at the Dearborn Inn for 100 guests. In 1956, their Daughter Susan was born.

At that time, Don was working at Great Lakes Steel, but had always wanted to be a Police Officer. He joined the Dearborn Police Department in 1954 and quickly moved through the ranks. Starting as an Officer who "walked the beat", he progressed to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenent, and Executive Administrative Lieutenent to 3 Chiefs of Police. He attended evening classes and graduated with an Associate's degree from Madonna University, an accomplishment he was so proud of. Don had a talent for handling citizen complaints while working in the Chief's office. He was diplomatic, charasmatic, and fair. His co-workers as well as the public he delt with loved and respected "Hos" which was his nickname. When he retired in 1993 after 39 years of service, he was dearly missed. After considering running for City council, he instead volunteered to become a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to remain active in the community.

Through the early part of his career, Don painted houses as a second job with his friend and fellow Police Officer, Doug Pond. It was hard work, but they always managed to have fun and have some great stories to tell.

Don always prided himself on staying in tip top shape. He loved to work out, lift weights, and at one time could bench press 400 pounds. During his lunch hour, he would often jog through  nearby neighborhoods, and participated in many City 10K runs.

Besides his busy work schedule, Don always found time to keep the lawn looking great. He and Valentine worked together as a team to keep the house immaculate inside and out. When the work became too physically challenging, his dear friend Kevin took over the task to Don's satisfaction.

Don was actively involved in numerous organizations such as the VFW, KofC, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Dearborn Goodfellows, and the Dearborn Exchange Club. He sold Goodfellow Newspapers at the corner of Cherry Hill and Military for years and earned " Top Salesman of the Year." The proceeds from these sales insure no child in Dearborn goes without a Christmas. He continued collecting for this organization by phone when he couldn't do it by foot.

Don and Valentine worked the Exchange Club tent at the Dearborn Homecoming for years. One of their most popular items for sale were the wedges of fried potatoes. Don would shout, "Get your wedgies here!" which always seemed to boost sales.

Don and Valentine had fun and kept busy after retirement. They enjoyed being season ticket holders at UofM football games, tailgating, traveling, dining out, and socializing with friends of all ages. They had a passion  for life and would often say they didn't know how they had time to work.

As health issues came up in their later years, it didn't stop them from living life to the fullest. When Don's walking abilities decreased, he would drive Valentine from place to place and stay in the car. "Driving Miss Daisy" he lovingly would say. They were a great team.

Don was a wonderful Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Co-worker, Mentor, and Friend. He was a rare combination of toughness and kindness. He had a soft spot for those less fortunate and contributed to many charity organizations.

For his 92nd Birthday, his dear friend Pat planned a drive by Birthday parade for him with the Police and Fire departments, the Exchange Club, family, and friends. It was a perfect 70 degree day, and Don was both surprised and delighted. He couldn't stop talking about it and it was definitely one of the highlights of his life.

Although we are all connected to Don in a different way, he has left a big impact on us all and will be greatly missed.  A truly remarkable Man who was "One of the good ones."

Rest in peace Don with your beloved Valentine.