Donald G. Courteau
August 18, 1936 ~ August 18, 2020
Donald G. Courteau was an architect and devoted husband and father. He was born on August 18th, 1936 the eldest of three boys to Henry Courteau and Angela Greer Courteau in Escanaba, Michigan. In an orderly fashion, true to his character until the end, he died peacefully in his home 84 years later, to the day, on August 18th, 2020.
An earnest and committed man, he married Patricia E. Courteau, his high school sweetheart, on June 8th,1957 at age 20. They were married for 58 years before she died in 2015. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he earned a Master of Architecture degree. And following university he spent two years in Fort Leonard Wood in military service before moving to Indianapolis to raise a family and practice as an architect for 56 years. He received numerous awards throughout his career for his dedication to the craft and utility of his trade.
He was an active member of Saint Mark Church and Knights of Columbus Council 3660 and enjoyed fishing, cooking, reading and playing with his numerous dogs throughout the years. He is survived by his two adopted children: daughter Kate Courteau and his son Kevin Courteau and his 3 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and his wheaten terrier pup, Darby. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia and his younger brothers, Richard Courteau and James Courteau.
A mass celebrating his life will take place on Friday August 28th at 12 noon at Saint Mark Church, followed by an outdoor ice cream social at his home until 6pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, in honor of all those who have fought for our freedom; especially honoring his brother James, a Vietnam Veteran and his lifelong friend Joe H. Shaw, a POW during WWII. On August 18th, 2020 Donald was escorted by angels into his next life. May he rest there in peace while his pup Darby runs free on the beaches and headland trails of Northern California.
Final care and cremation arrangements are entrusted to the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for Donald’s family.
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You have My deepest sympathy Hearing about the death of your father may he Rest In Peace James Vodde
Many memories of going to KofC Dances,or at St.Marksand dancing the night away,will miss your voice in our funeral choir.Rest in peace our friend..Carole and Dick Shanley
Don and I served together for several years in the 972nd Engineer Battalion of the Army Reserve. He was a good friend and an outstanding officer. He liked to talk about his projects at E. I. Brown, and about Pat and his children. I am grateful for having known him and served with him.
I have fond memories of times shared in your home as a child. Your dad made me laugh. Prayers to Kate and Kevin as you celebrate the good man that he was!
I offer my condolences, remembering Don for his kindness and valuable mentoring when I began as the new member of the marketing team at Everett I. Brown Achitects & Engineers. Everyone valued and respected Don, who always seemed to have time for the many interruptions and demands placed upon him. One could easily discern he was a man of faith with a strong work ethic and devotion to endeavors bigger than himself. He made a difference in this world and in the lives of others, to be certain!
Kate You and your family have my deepest sympathy. Sorry I am unable to attend the services, my health has not been the best. My prayers are with you. I miss you kids. Nora Cunningham
My condolences to Don’s family. I remember how proud he was of Kate and Kevin and their success in their lives and professions. While I was at E.I. Brown he was a valued mentor to me and my future professional life. I remember how several of us painted faces on pillow cases and put them over our bodies as part of a Christmas party entertainment segment. It was Don’s humorous side that pulled it off. I am proud to have known him as a mentor and friend.
My sympathy with the passing of your father. Don was a good husband and father and a man with integrity. He was a valued friend of the Shaw family and will be missed. May he rest in peace. Brian Shaw
My memory of Don was he was always informed and prepared for any project that I worked on for him and Pat at there house. He never asked for a “friend ” discount, just good work. That showed one example of the character of Don. He was a good honest man who loved his family and the Lord.Don and Pat were great friends to the Shaw family and we loved them. May he rest in peace
I loved and adored Don and Pat♥️ They were so wonderful!! I was their neighbor for many years . In fact I had recently found out that Pat had passed .. I was so sad to hear that. I am glad they are together againߙ My favorite memory of Don and Pat ( let’s face it they belong together) was them sitting in their screened in back porch in the early evenings in the summer. I often wandered over to talk and listen to their amazing stories and share a laugh! They always loved their doggies they had.. I was lucky enough to meet a couple.. and I knew Ramsey the best.ߐ¶ They loved their grandkids and I got to hear many wonderful stories of them also.. they adored their children and always longed for a visit.. God Bless Don and Pat Courteau!! They will forever live in my heart❤️ Shannon Ambs
Don Courteau was my first boss when I was an architect co-op from UC (35 years ago!) at E. I. Brown and I still fondly remember the advice and comments that he and Joe Shaw gave me about being an architect. He was a kind hearted man and an excellent mentor. – Laura Leyes Bornhorst, Miamisburg, OH