Donald LeWayne Totsch, 88, of Carthage, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on
Sunday, June 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Donald was born on July 14, 1936, in Bowen, Illinois, the son of Christopher and Irene
(Meints) Totsch. He graduated from Bowen High School in 1954, where he was a proud
member of the Bowen Bulldogs basketball team that advanced to the Sweet 16 in the
state tournament.
On April 5, 1959, he married the love of his life, Esther Johnson. Together they shared
66 wonderful years of marriage. She survives.
Donald spent most of his life working in construction and farming until he retired in
2003. A skilled mason and carpenter, he and Esther built five homes in the Carthage
area. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Carthage. 
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Donald was a loyal fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and
Steelers. His greatest joy came from watching his children, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren play sports, and he especially loved listening to his daughter Debbie’s
church choir.
Donald is survived by his wife, Esther Totsch of Carthage, IL; his children, Debbie (Alan)
Housewright of Carthage, IL, Rhonda (Brian) Hibbard of Carthage, IL, Theresa (Scott)
McGaughey of Carthage, IL, and Bryan (Cathy) Totsch, all of Carthage, IL; his
grandchildren, Brandon (Ashlyn) Housewright, Jeremy (Alison) Housewright, Danielle
(Grant) Surprenant, Chris (Kelsey) Hibbard, Lauren (Justin) Ellison, Evan (Kara)
McGaughey, Austen Totsch, and Morgan (Detrich) Totemeier; and his great-
grandchildren, Barett, Brant, Brooks, Emmett, Mya, Elliotte, Kannon, Kenzey, Clayton,
Carter, Keegan, Myla, and one on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Maxine
Williamson, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Oscar Gardner.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13, at Immanuel Lutheran
Church, with burial to follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from
4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Printy Funeral Home, with the family
greeting friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Carthage Park District, or
Hancock County Special Olympics.