Donald Charles Luther Sr.

HOBE SOUND, Fla. - Donald Charles Luther Sr., 74, lost his long and difficult battle with cancer and passed away from complications after surgery on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018. He was born Sept. 2, 1944, to Robert J. and Angelina (DeRubis) Luther, of Ironwood, Mich. He was a 1962 graduate of Luther L. Wright High School.

Don married Kay Arlene LaBlonde on Aug. 2, 1962, in Pine City Minn., raised two children and they were together for 20 years. Through the mid part of Don's working career, his primary focus was in the mining industry, copper, nickel, silver and steel. He worked as a supervisor at Pickands Mather Steel in Hoyt Lakes, Minn., then became an underground supervisor for White Pine Copper Company in White Pine, Mich., later moving the family to Chisholm, Minn., where he took a position as a general foreman for Hibbing Taconite.

He was a master at maintaining conveyor systems and solving technical problems. In 1986, he retired from the mining industry and moved to south Florida, where he worked with his brother in the marine construction industry, overseeing field operations and construction projects. He moved on from construction to his found passion as a licensed property manager.

Don oversaw large developments such as PGA National and BallenIsles in North Palm Beach, Fla. Later in his career, he became a portfolio property manager, where he oversaw operations for multiple property developments until his retirement.

In 1987 he met Janet Clark. Janet and Don resided in Hobe Sound, Fla., and they were together and built a life together for over 32 years. Don truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Don loved running marathons, 5K and 10K series, with his favorite venue being the Bridge Run in Savannah, Ga., with his daughter and trainer, Jodie Kofod.

Don was also a devout Green Bay Packers fan, car enthusiast and loved being in the outdoors. He was fiercely devoted to family and friends and loved sharing long conversations over lunch with his daughter-in-law, Karen Luther.

Don was truly one of the best souls and had an ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He was an excellent father, grandfather and friend. Don will be missed desperately. He is survived by his life partner, Janet Clark, his two children, Donald C. Luther Jr. (Karen B. Luther), of Palm City, Fla., and Jodie Kay Kofod (Ret. Maj. U.S. Army, Michael Kofod), of Savannah, Ga. He is also survived by his brother, Robert J. Luther Jr., and sisters Geri Cole, Carolyn Pulver, Susan Pryzbylski, Connie Luther and Becky Wiswell; three grandchildren, Michael, Bradley and Logan, and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins, all who loved him very much.

Don has selflessly donated his body to science in hopes through research he can help humanity in some way, as his love for life was insatiable. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite animal shelter or rescue in his name.