- My Lifestory
- Lebanon - Donald Lee Schlatter, 78, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Osborne County Memorial Hospital, Osborne, KS.
Don was born on December 2, 1946, in rural Smith County, KS, the son of Edward and Beulah (Burns) Schlatter. Don attended Bearfoot Nation Grade School and graduated from Lebanon High School. He Joined the National Guard and was a reservist for many years.
Don was united in marriage on August 6, 1977, to Janet Kathleen Zimmer in Beloit, KS. Don and Janet were privileged to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2002, and their 39th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2016, at Parkview Nursing Home. Don raised crops and had livestock on the farm for many years; he later worked for Smith County and took care of Janet while she was home. Don and Janet enjoyed working side by side on the farm whether in the fields or with the cattle and hog operations. Don and Janet were each other's "Best Friend" and loved being together and experiencing life together whatever they were doing and wherever they were at. Garon commented that Don was one of the nicest men he knew, always willing to help others in need. He loved his grandchildren, spoiling them and watching them grow up. As his health deteriorated, he enjoyed being around family more and more, especially after Janet passed away. His two grandkids could always put a smile on his face no matter how he was feeling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Dean Schlatter and his wife Janet.
Don is survived by a son, Garon Koch and wife Juvy of Norton; brother-in-law, Gerald Zimmer and wife Terri of Beloit; two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Reinert of Downs, Alberta Cordel and husband Ed of Beloit; one grandson, Luke Koch of Norton; one granddaughter, Leila Koch of Norton; nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS, with Pastor Les Ellis officiating. A public visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Burial will take place in Crystal Plains Cemetery, rural Smith County, KS. Memorials may be given to Donald L. Schlatter Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of the funeral Chapel.
Donald L. Schlatter
December 02, 1946
September 24, 2025
- In Loving Memory