Bietz, Donald "Don" C. Obituary

Bietz, Donald "Don" C. attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Bietz, Donald "don" C..

Graduation Year	Class of 1957
Date of Passing	Mar 01, 2021
About	Monday, March 1st, Don passed. As the doctors say, it is very hard to predict a time line when his body was fighting so many things. For those of you not up to speed - Dad was in the hospital for 12 days. He went in with respiratory issues and was very weak. The doctors provided a variety of care and Dad had some good days where he perked up and was alert and communicative. Unfortunately the improvements did not stabilize him. He struggled with swallowing, breathing and his weak heart. (Muscle only, his true heart is strong). Eventually his kidneys threw the penalty flag. We all discussed his care, Don included, and came to terms with palliative care. My father had a strong will to live. These past years it had carried him through many ‘near misses’, granted by Mom’s excellent care of him and modern medical miracles. Okay, these past decades, let’s be real. Mom’s attentiveness and Don’s stubbornness allowed him a few more trips around the sun. Enough to see his granddaughter graduate and start her adult life, get to know his grandsons and rack up a more than a few IOU’s from his bridge playing group. Dad was alert and engaging with people Monday morning and afternoon. I believe once he was able to connect with long time friends Melody and Stef, and give his nod of gratitude for their years of friendship and laughter that his last to-dos were done. That afternoon Dad received his light morphine dose to make him comfortable. Mom and I stayed until evening, helping him to relax. We knew the time was close. I think my father was very brave to let go. His tenacity for life and to fight to the end could have pushed life another day or two. I believe he made peace with his transition and had great courage up to the end. Currently we have no memorial planned. Dad’s brother and sister are also navigating medical issues and would be unable to come at this time. We’re looking to plan a remembrance sometime when we can all be vaccinated and safe. I am thankful he was well cared for by the hospital staff. They were attentive and compassionate. HIs family and local friends were able to reminisce about shared memories this past week plus. My father lived well. He and I both thank you for the smiles, ideas, memories, and times you and he spent together. May you be blessed, Daughter Wendy