From Dennis Spies
Favorite memory
Childhood Memories
My name is Steve Bremer. Don and I grew up together as neighbors outside the small town of Baldwin. We met when we started playing Khoury League baseball and living only a quarter mile apart out in the country we became good friends. We played together as kids every day during summer break, we both loved the game of baseball and played catch every day, it worked out pretty good, he was a catcher and I was pitcher. We were battery mates in khoury league and high school. Don couldn't wait to come over and play catch, he would come over at 8:00 a.m. in the morning and come right in to the kitchen and sit down and have breakfast. At first this irritated my mother, At the time she had 4 kids with the youngest being two yrs. old, she had her hands full and didn't particularly wanted the added work. We usually ate cereal, however one morning mom made pancakes. Don scoured up the pancakes with my mom's homemade jelly, telling mom how great everything was and telling her that was the best jelly he ever had. After that he always complimented mom on her food, he won mom over to the point that I would tell Don to ask my mom to cook up something we like, she was more apt to make it for him then me.
Although I didn't realize it at the time, at 8 years of age, Don had that natural ability to make people feel good about themselves and bring out the best in people. He made friends easily. In over the 50 years that I know him, I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He was a quiet leader on a baseball diamond, he gave a 100 percent and expected nothing less than that from his team mates. As I reflect back on the memories I had with Don, there one more memory that sticks out. In high school there was the typical bully who wanted to start a fight with Don in the hallway. In the 10 years that I know him I had never seen Don fight, and I never seen the other guy back down from a fight. By the time I made my way up the hall and through the crowd, I seen the other guy walk away. I looked at Don and asked how in the heck he got out of that one. He looked at me and gave me that familar smile and said " I bluffed him". There are so many moments that I had with Don that I will cherish, the angels are smiling.
A LIFE TRULY LIVED!
My name is Mark Eddie. Don was a long-time, loyal & dear dear friend to our family. Don & my brother Bobby Lesinski became friends in the 80's during the Alton Belle days. The bond between them was truly a unique & strong one. Don looked out for me when I performed in Vegas. Our mother Rosemarie thought of Don as family. Our thoughts & prayers go out to ALL of Don's immediate! If not for serious health issues, Bobby would certainly be there in support.
That said, there are so many phenomenal times to remember with Don. From the spontaneous breakfasts, lunches & dinner parties to after hours & late night gatherings. Whether in Vegas, St. Louis or some far away destination, with Don it was always an adventure. Don also had this innate ability to simply "listen" to you and no matter what - "understand" you. Never judgemental, he was the voice of reason when you needed it the most. His was the first call you'd receive after succeeding or doing something fantastic! Yes, . . . he will be very very missed.
But Don left us all with something. . . He left us all knowing what a true friend is & what a true friend stands for. We love you Don. We will miss you. Your kindness, your spirit and your genuine, unconditional love and friendship made a difference in our lives.
Peace&Love, ------------------------------The Lesinski Family :))
Gone but never forgotten
I worked for the St. Louis Rams from 1995-2010, and during my early years with the Rams I met Don Theobald because of his involvement with the franchise and players. I immediately made friends with Don because he was such an easy person to talk to and get to know. He opened his heart and business to everyone he met, and unlike a lot of people today, ALWAYS had a smile on his face. Don made me laugh every time I saw him and always made me feel valued and welcome at whatever casino he was working.
I left the Rams in 2010 and also lost touch with Don for the last few years. However, I was at a recent charity event and ran into Don, which was a pleasant surprise. It was as if not a day had passed since we last saw each other, and I was so happy to see Don looking healthier and happier than ever. Don took such pleasure and pride in his work, and most importantly, in making sure everyone he was around was taken care of and happy. Even after not seeing each other a few years, Don openly invited me and my friends to a free steak at River City Casino whenever we wanted. What an amazingly genuine, generous and loving man Don was, and he has left a mark on this world during his time here.
My heart is heavy for his family and friends' loss, and my deepest sympathy goes out to everyone who knew and loved Don. I will be praying for God to supply love, comfort and peace to Adam and his family during this difficult time. Your loss is heaven's gain. May God bless you all.
Our dear friend, Donald Theobald
Our names are Dolly and Bob Isenmann. We first met Donald at the VIP lounge two years ago at River City. We always looked forward to visiting with Donald when we came to the casino, and he always had time and a big smile for us. Our family met him and liked him so much for the way he made everyone feel very special. It will not be the same at River City without Donald. A friend and gentlemen who was loved by all and will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace, dear Donald, we will think of you every day. Thank you for your kindness, your caring and your sincere interest in our family. When we first met, Dolly gave Donald a pen that said "For a friend of Dolly Isenmann". Donald loved the pen and carried it with him every day. Whenever we saw him, he always reached in his coat pocket and said "I still have my pen!" Please watch over all of us, until we meet again. You are now the "Executive Host" of the most exclusive club....Heaven! Farewell dear Donald, we wish there had been time to say "Goodbye" just one more time. Love, Dolly and Bob Isenmann.