04/10/2026
Don (Donald) Tooman, an affable guy, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026. He was predeceased by son Todd, parents Ralph and Lois, sisters Ann (Tooman) and Millie (Mildred) Klein, as well as beloved brothers-in-law Jack Klein, John Schaefer, and Denny Masters. He is survived by daughters Tammy Tooman-Jula (David Minton), Trudy Tooman-Salinas (Frank Mason), grandchildren Brandon (Kasie) Salinas, Carly Tooman, great-grandson Julian Salinas, sisters Sue Schaefer, Bernice (Ron) Lynch, Ruth Masters, brother Jim (Lisa) Tooman, many beloved nieces and nephews, and special friends Fred Redecker, Kathy Wise, and Tom Burke.
Before retirement, Don worked his entire career at Retail Credit Company (now Equifax) as an insurance investigator. He began his career in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and was relocated to Chicago in 1969 until his retirement in 2001. After retirement, he enjoyed a steady diet of golfing, visits to the casino, meeting with his buddies on Friday mornings for breakfast, and an almost daily visit to his favorite watering hole, Coach’s Corner in Elk Grove Village. One of his favorite pastimes was going to Coach’s to “shoot the breeze,” drink a diet Coke or three, and try his luck on the slot machines…with which he was unusually lucky. He was a lifelong sports fan with his favorite teams being the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.
Throughout his whole life, what he enjoyed most of all was spending time with his children, grandchildren, parents, siblings and assorted nieces and nephews. He was an exemplary example of a fine, family man…father, grandfather, brother and uncle…who could always be counted on for unconditional love and support.
Don never met a stranger he didn’t like and never met a story he didn’t like to tell…and he was full of them! He was known for his sense of humor, story telling and a high-pitched, infectious laugh that would leave you with a smile. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who was known to be loyal, kind, helpful, funny, trustworthy and responsible…he was a guy you could always depend on.
He always had some change or a couple of dollar bills to give his grandkids or the neighborhood kids, so they’d have a little “walking around money,” likely, because he didn’t have much of that for himself as a kid.
True to his famous by-line, “I’m in no hurry,” Don lived a full and fulfilling life of ninety years. He was a “salt of the earth” kind of fellow and a member of the “Silent Generation,” which means he kept his nose to the grindstone, never complained much or asked for help, was full of true grit, and was a dedicated believer in not worrying about something he couldn’t control.
As a member of The Optimist Club while in his twenties, he adopted the teachings of the Optimist Creed and lived his life in such a way that he always kept a positive and optimistic attitude, did what he could to help and uplift others, and spoke only good into the world. All qualities that served him well in life, and as a result, his children and all who knew him, by example. He was, indeed, a likeable fellow who had a full and well-loved life.
A special thanks to the staff at Moments Hospice and Sanctuary Hospice, most notably Jessica Elyza, Don’s daily caregiver, who gave him exceptionally kind and loving care for two and a half years. Don thrived on her watch and for that we are eternally grateful. Additionally, hospice nurses Lester (Moments) and Chantal (Sanctuary) for their kind and loving care. We would also like to thank Edith, the nurse where Don lived, as well as a very special thanks to care-partner Fabiola, who gave Don special care with loving kindness.
Memorial services to be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.
