Politte, James Donald (Don) 1942-2011

POLITTE, COLEMAN, OTTE, BUBAN, CHARLEVILLE

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 3/31/2020 at 14:39:20

James Donald (Don) Politte
August 3, 1942 - March 26, 2011
Born in Ricola, MO
Resided in West Des Moines, IA

James Donald (Don) Politte, 68, died March 26, 2011 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA of bladder cancer.

Don was born August 3, 1942 in Ricola, MO, the son of Louis and Dorothy (Coleman) Politte. He graduated from Festus High School in Festus, MO and enlisted in the Air Force, serving in Southeast Asia. In 1967 he married Betty Otte, and they welcomed their son, Scott.

Don's charismatic personality led him to the automobile business in St. Louis, MO, where he met Ed Stivers Jr. In 1980, Don moved to Des Moines, IA where he and Ed established Stivers Lincoln Mercury. Together they consistently placed Stivers in the top 100 dealers for Lincoln Mercury nationwide. Don served as President or Vice President of the Midwest Lincoln Mercury Dealer Association for over 20 years. He won numerous sales achievement awards from Ford Motor Company, including the President's Award. He was highly respected by his peers, and was sought out by other dealers around the country for his expertise. Don often remarked to strangers and friends that he was "just a used car salesman." Don was President of Stivers Ford Lincoln in Waukee, IA.

Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Don was a self-made man who achieved and demanded excellence in all aspects of his life. He knew that hard work and high expectations would create greatness.

In 1991 Don married his wife for life, Rose Ann Buban. Together they enjoyed traveling extensively, golfing, boating, entertaining, family, and watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball games. They enjoyed the company of many dear friends and family.

Don was the definition of gregarious, and would initiate a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He left a large impression on those who met him, and an even larger one on his friends. He loved life, and brought merriment and hilarity whenever he was around. Don's jokes and antics were legendary, and continue to entertain those fortunate enough to have spent even a few moments with him. He knew that a good laugh is the best lubricant for oiling the machinery of social interactions. Don sang and danced forever and a day.

Don is survived by his wife, Rose Politte; his son, Scott Politte (Lisa) of Waukee, IA; his mother, Dorothy Politte of Waukee, IA; his brother, Larry Politte of Johnston, IA; his sister, Sharon Charleville of Festus, MO; six nephews; three nieces; one great nephew and two great nieces.

Preceding Don in death was his father, Louis James Politte.

A Memorial Visitation with the family will be held at St. Augustin Catholic Church, 545 - 42nd St., Des Moines, on Wednesday, March 30 from 3 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Augustin on Thursday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, IA 50131. The family expresses its significant gratitude to the staff of this incredible organization.

Followed Dreams, Not Rules. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Wed 30 Mar 2011.