Donald was born on November 1, 1944, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Edwin C. Warkentien and Helen L. Batterman Warkentien. He was the youngest of three children, with two older sisters, Doris Warkentien Malfese and Sandy Warkentien Bondlow.

He passed away peacefully in the early morning of July 2, 2026, with his loving wife, Ramona, by his side.

Donald graduated from Downers Grove High School in 1964 and later graduated from DeVry Technical Institute in 1966. On August 10, 1968, he married Ramona W. DeLair Warkentien, and moved to Overland Park, Kansas in 1971.

Throughout his career, Donald worked in technical and electronics-related fields. His employment included Nuclear Chicago, later TM Analytic; Konica Minolta’s copier division; and NCR. But technology wasn’t just a job for him. His passion for technology, mechanics, and electronics permeated his life.

He was especially involved in amateur radio. He received his first Novice license in 1968 as WN9AUW. After moving to Kansas, he was licensed again around 1975 as WN0NVO, then upgraded to WB0NVO less than a year later. In 1999, he received the vanity call sign by which many local hams knew him: W0DEW.

Donald was also deeply involved in emergency communications groups, including ARES, RACES, and ECS, where his radio skills and technical knowledge were put to practical use. He was active as a storm spotter and, along with WB0EJJ, served at the command post as primary communications during the 1981 Hyatt Regency disaster. Through these efforts and his years of involvement, many members of the Johnson County amateur radio community came to know him as an Elmer.

He was always tinkering. If he wasn’t fixing a radio, he might be repairing an old collectible sewing machine or another appliance, doing car maintenance, woodworking, metalworking, and even glassworking. He also dabbled in high-fidelity audio, event sound system support, cycling, pre-Internet BBS, and countless other projects. He was a handyman’s handyman.

Later in life, Donald developed a deep interest in historical reenactment and especially enjoyed participating in reenactment and historical events. These included the Kansas State Historical Society, Shawnee Indian Mission, Old Missouri Town 1855, Fort Leavenworth, Grinter Place, and Ensor Farm.

Donald is survived by his wife, Ramona; his two children, Dale and Richard; his two granddaughters, Sophia and Rose; and his sister, Sandy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Helen Warkentien, and his sister, Doris.

Visitation with the family will take place at 1:00 PM at the Matt Ross Community Center in the Vista Room, 8101 Marty St, Overland Park, KS 66204. In recognition of Donald’s love for ice cream, this will be an ice cream social event to celebrate his life and achievements. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider supporting, in memoriam, any of the following charities that Donald was committed to: Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO, 64137; Johnson County Radio Amateurs Club (JCRAC), PO Box 93 Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-0093; or The Ensor Park and Museum, 18995 W. 183rd St. Olathe, Kansas 66062.

In lieu of a Eulogy, we will use that time to allow family and friends to pass the microphone and share a short message about Donald.

QSY 73s