If you asked a hundred people who Donald Drottboom was, you would get a hundred different responses. A soldier. A Scholar. A teacher. A volunteer firefighter. A football lover. A Gambler. But to Donald and his loved ones, his biggest role was that of a father and grandfather. 

Born in Tacoma, Washington on September 2nd, 1928, Donald was the first of the Droettboom family born in the United States. Throughout his life, Don loved sports, especially football, and spent all his leisure time either spectating the game. Donald was a Bears fan but as UW alumni, he loved the Huskies. He also enjoyed his chosen line of work, as a teacher at Stadium high school, and later Clover Park where he retired after 35 years. Don's students remembered him fondly from his teaching days. After retirement, Don worked as a volunteer firefighter and frequent blood donor. He loved spending time with his Granddaughters and great-grandchildren.

Don was always there to help his friends and spent many years traveling.  Donald is survived by his son, Paul Droettboom, son David Droettboom, granddaughters Samantha Palmer, Sarah Droettboom, and great grandchildren, Dean, Grayson and Asher(Palmer). Donald was a friend to all and a loving father and grandfather. 

Donald lived a long, full and adventurous life and passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 25th at his residence at The Weatherly Inn, Tacoma at 94 years old. Upon his request for “no-nonsense fanfare”, the family will be farewelling Donald privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Donald's name to Tacoma Public Schools and The Alzheimers Association of Seattle.

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