Donald J. "Don" Ellinger

Donald J. "Don" Ellinger, 82, of Botkins, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Vancrest of St. Marys. He was born on February 27, 1944 in St. Louis, MO to Marcella Ellinger who has preceded him in death. On September 5, 1970, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, he married Madonna J. "Donna" Eilerman, who survives in Botkins.

Survivors also include their four children, Beth (Tim) Gehret, of Anna, Donald Jr. "DJ" (Denise) Ellinger, of Botkins, Jane (Dave) Dwenger, of St. Marys, and Patrick (Holly) Ellinger, of Wapakoneta; 16 grandchildren, Josie, Tony, Callie, Ben and Maddie Gehret, Dylan Steinke-Ellinger, Ella, Molly and Bernerd Ellinger, Samantha, Nick, Henry and Joe Dwenger, Luke, Leah and Will Ellinger; five siblings, Barbara, Regina, Linda and Buddy, all of Missouri, and Danny, of California; and six siblings-in-law, Bernadette Seger, of Troy, Doris (Clem) Prenger, of Harpster, John (Jenny) Eilerman, of Wapakoneta, Herb Eilerman, of Botkins, Margaret (Jim) Stang, of Russia, and Shirley Ellinger, of Lima.

Don was preceded in death by his twin brother, Robert J. "Bob" Ellinger and brother-in-law, Louis Seger.

Growing up in the Saint Joseph's Home for Boys Orphanage in St. Louis, Missouri, Don never knew a stranger. He was quite the talker, always communicating with someone. During high school, he was placed in a foster home with the Mary & Ed Miller family, in Silex, Missouri. From 1964-1967, Don served in the United States Army as a chauffeur to the Major.

Following his honorable discharge, Don followed Bob and moved to Botkins. Bob had chosen Botkins as it was the hometown of his bride and and former military pen-pal. Don fell in love with Botkins, especially after meeting Donna. Together they raised four children and provided love and support to 17 foster children over the years.

After 30 years of driving semi, Don found his preferred vehicle to drive, a bus. He spent many years as a school bus driver for Botkins Local School and traveled all over while driving for Buckeye Charter. Don visited all 50 states.

In 2017, Don was voted the official Town Grouch of Botkins, an honor he was extremely proud of. Don was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, where he devoted time to being an usher and server.

Don's family encourages you to enjoy a pineapple milkshake in his memory.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins. Father Sean Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to either the Catholic Relief Services, the IC Organ Fund, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.