Donald E. Farmer, 92, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Ottawa IL, surrounded by his loving family.
Memorial services will be at 12 noon on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1439 Catherine Street, Ottawa, IL 61350 with Rev. Frendell Reyes, Pastor officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the memorial services at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
Donald was born on February 5, 1933 in Marseilles to Samuel and Elsie (Pearson) Farmer. He was a graduate of Marseilles High School and worked as a piano tuner and technician, as well as the owner and operator of Farmer’s Music Barn. Donald owned and managed several rental properties in the Ottawa area. Donald was a U.S. Army veteran and served during the Korean War from 1953-1954. He married Elaine Barnett-Schultheis on August 3, 1986 in Ottawa. He was a member and organist for the Seventh Day Adventist Church and a member of the American Legion. Donald traveled the U.S. and around the world, building churches and schools for Maranatha Volunteers International. He also sang with the Ottawa Barbershop Chorus and Quartets. Donald loved to go camping and be outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Farmer of Ottawa; his five children, Gregory Farmer of Ottawa, Amy (David) Swaar of Mason City, Pamela Blue of Seneca, Patricia Owens of Ottawa, Janet (Bob) Kleinmaier of Plainfield; 8 grandchildren; 21 1/2 great-grandchildren; Elaine’s children, Lon Schultheis of Utica and Shelly (Randy) Savage of Marseilles; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Elsie Famer; two sons-in-law, Perry Owens and Robert Blue; and his sister, Sandra Pedersen.
Memorials may be directed to Maranatha Volunteers International and Seventh Day Adventist Church, Ottawa.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Muel