Donald Liedtke, Sr., age 94, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, October 22, 2026 in Genesis Hospital at Zanesville following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Joseph Barker and Elizabeth (Basiletti) Goodie, Donald was born in his home at New Philadelphia on December 27, 1931.

While visiting the skating rink at Tuscora Park, a young woman named Norma Howes caught his eye. The couple married on November 8, 1952 and shared in 62 years of marriage before her passing in 2014.

Don worked for Joy Manufacturing for over 30 years as a welder. He enjoyed dancing, listening to country music, attending high school basketball games at New Philadelphia and Fort Frye as well as camping, fishing, being with his family and taking every possible opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren.

Don is survived by two sons, Chuck (Sherry) Liedtke of Dover, and Dan (Loretta) Liedtke of Lowell, Ohio; grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Anderson, Donald (Trishia) Liedtke, III, Chuck Liedtke, II, Tonya (Ida Daniel-Liedtke) Liedtke, Morgan (Dustin) Baker, Megan (Jake) Waugh, and Makayla (Alex) Mason; eight great-grandchildren, Alexis, Alaina, Kya, Kinley, Kendall, Brantley, Carson, and Lucas; one great-great-grandson, J.J.; daughter-in-law, Tina Liedtke; sister, Charolette Durr; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Goodie; father, Joseph Barker; step-father, Charles Liedtke; wife, Norma Liedtke; son, Donald Liedtke II; and brother, Maximus Liedtke.

The family will greet guests on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Don’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29, 2026 in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions in Donald’s name may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.