Donald J. Chavez, 86, of Sycamore died September 21, 2023 at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

He was born on October 31, 1936 in Albuquerque, NM to Anthony and Violet Chavez.  He was married to Suzanne Murray.

Don was a veteran of the US Marine Corp. and the US Army, serving in Korea.

Don was the golf professional at the Kishwaukee Country Club and the Sycamore Park District for many years.  His passion was teaching golf- especially to juniors and at the Michael Jordan Golf Center in Aurora, along with various courses in the area.

Don achieved life-time membership in the PGA and was awarded membership in the Half Century Club of the PGA.  He also served on their executive board for the Illinois section.

Survivors include his wife, Sue; sons, Brian (Samantha) Chavez and Dean Chavez; daughters, Teresa Chavez and Lora Krueger; grandchildren, Benjamin Chavez, Anthony (Ashton) Windt, Tim Windt, Nicholas Krueger, Brooke Chavez, Melissa and Jack Wegrzyn; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Harrison Windt; two sisters, Rosemary Biarnesen and Jean (Joe) Punito; several nieces and nephews; dear friends, Dave and Bonnie Roliardi, Dorothy Razniewski and Ray Nimer and his furry companion, Charley Girl.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Geraldine; and his good friend, Ron Razniewski.

The family would like to thank the staff at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center and Promedica Hospice for all their loving care.

The family will be planning a memorial at a later date.

If you would like to mail a card or condolence for Don's family, please mail it to the  Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL. 60178.

To sign the online guest book or write a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com