Donald Emanuel Hietter
April 10, 1921-June 3, 2018
Menlo Park, California
Submitted by Christine Hietter Sullivan
Donald (Don) Hietter was born in Bradford IL to John and Lillian Hickey Hietter. He grew up in nearby Peoria. Don is survived by his wife, Judith Hietter, daughter Marilyn Palm, son Randy Hietter (Laurie), daughter Christine Sullivan (Dave), grandson John Hietter, granddaughters Kelsey Bragg (Cameron), Caitlin Sullivan and Carolyn Hietter. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Moehn, four step children Max Wiley (Ellen), Jean Miller (Howard), John Wiley, Anne Goode (Gordon) and six step grandchildren Samantha Miller, Wiley Miller, Jack Wiley, Sam Wiley, James Goode and Lucy Goode. Don attended University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and majored in Accounting. He interrupted his education to enlist in the U.S. Army and served in the Philippines during WWII where he achieved the rank of First Lieutenant. After the war he moved to Los Angeles and met Helene Zilas. They married and eventually moved to Redwood City, CA. Don graduated with honors from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1948. Don became a CPA and joined Arthur Andersen & Co. in 1951 where he became a banking specialist. He became a partner in 1963 and served there until his retirement in 1976. In his retirement Don consulted with a variety of organizations. His civic and professional activities included serving on the board of the American Cancer Society, the Northern California Cancer Center, the San Mateo County Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as vice president of the California Society of the AICPA. During his time in Peoria, Don had happy memories of working at the soda fountain near his house where he developed a life-long love of ice cream. Don was involved in Saint Pius Catholic Church in Redwood City for nearly 60 years and was one of the original parishioners.
Don's passions were gardening and landscaping, opera, art, architecture, numismatics and traveling. After moving to Atherton in 1958, he transformed his one acre property into a beautiful park-like setting with Japanese Maples, rock walls, flower beds, garden paths and a pool. Don did much of the work himself and continued to do so into his mid 70's.
In 1987, Don married Judith Thomas Wiley. They enjoyed traveling, opera and their grandchildren. One of Don's greatest passions was his grandchildren. He frequently took them on excursions to parks and places around the Bay Area such as Golden Gate Park, Angel Island and Coyote Point. Often he would make his famous milk shakes for the kids. The whole family will treasure those memories.
Don's life was rich and long. He had a bright mind, sharp wit and wry sense of humor. Even in his last months and days, his wit and humor was on display to his family and caregivers.
Don will be deeply missed by his loving family. For those wishing to remember Don Hietter, please consider a donation to an Alzheimers or US Veterans charity.
Tags: veteran, business, public service
